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DESRA 

of 

EGYPTIANS 

A ROMANCE OF THE EARLIER 
CENTURIES 

Ethel Black Kealing 



PRINTED BY 

WHEELER & KALB 
Indianapolis 




To 

My Dearest Companion I Dedicate 
Tliis Book 


C a A 2 83 085 



Power of Power Thou shalt be known 
Truth Thou shalt be unveil’d 
O Justice Thou shalt be established! 


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Copyrighted 

By 

Ethel Black Kealing 
1910. 

An Authoress’s Note Will be Found at the End. 


CONTENTS 

BOOK I. 

PAGE 

Chapter I. — Fleur De Lis 1 

Chapter IL — The Crown Prince 9 

Chapter III. — The Temple of Venus 13 

Chapter IV. — The Gizehean Ruler 16 

Chapter V. — The God’s Pleasure 21 

Chapter VI. — Silent Persuasion 24 

Chapter VII. — In Commune 29 

Chapter VIII. — Version of the Stars 31 

Chapter IX.' — 'The Trust 36 

Chapter X. — The Price of Freedom 40 

Chapter XI. — ^The Natalis Apis 43 

Chapter XII. — The Attack 47 

Chapter XIII. — The Light That Went Out in the Dark- 
ness 51 

BOOK II. 

Chapter I. — The Arabian Parable 56 

Chapter II. — Cadmus 60 

Chapter III. — The Prayer of Zoroaster 63 

Chapter IV. — Echoes Rebound 67 

Chapter V. — The Secret Friend and Foe 72 

Chapter VI. — The Heritage of Unrest 78 

Chapter VII. — By the Light Day and by the Dark Night 82 

Chapter VIII. — The Vengeance of the Dead 88 

Chapter IX. — Khabardar 93 

Chapter X. — The Eclipse of the Sun 98 

Chapter XI. — The Invasion of Persia 101 


BOOK III. 


PAGE 

Chapter I. — In Greece 108 

Chapter II. — ^Thou Art Welcome Ill 

Chapter III. — The Coronation in Delos 115 

Chapter IV. — Morning in the Palace 119 

Chapter V. — ^The Mad Palls of the Styx 123 

Chapter VI. — Eunomiae’s Herald 126 

Chapter VII. — Could’st Thou Divine What Lovers Bear? 130 

Chapter VIII. — Voices of Freedom 136 

Chapter IX. — The Return of the King 141 

BOOK IV. 

Chapter I. — Desra Coronated 149 

Chapter II. — Gloriation 153 

Chapter III.- — The Mystery of the Longing 156 

Chapter IV. — The Royal Epithalamia 160 

Chapter V. — The Queen’s Villa 164 

Chapter VI. — ^The Star of Venus 167 

Chapter VII. — ^The Imprecation 173 

Chapter VIII. — The Hand of Revenge 179 

Chapter IX. — The Ordinate in Heaven 189 

BOOK V. 

Chapter I. — Greece in Mourning 194 

Chapter II.— The Call of the Gods 196 

Chapter III. — ^The Revelation 200 

Chapter IV. — The Protected Crown 204 

Chapter V. — Out of the Silence Speaketh a Voice 206 





CHAPTER I. 


FLEUR DE LIS. 

“Behold the King, he cometh” — and we turned to pay heed 
to these 'words. We beheld the Egyptian King being escorted 
through the long dome-lined avenues of the gardens, passing 
through a number of courts, some of which were connected by 
folding doors, and which encircled tanks handsomely build’d 
of bronze. 

Reaching a temple, he stood before its altar and read, in a 
reverenced silence, the words inscribed in a circlet of gold and 
clasped in the hands of a goddess. 

“Unto the King of Egypt who resideth within Alexan- 
drae — We give thee all strength ; we giveth thee all life, strong 
and pure, O King!” 

Slowly he passed on into the southwestern wing of the 
palace, into a chamber which had an outlook upon the several 
oases leading into the great desert, the Libyan desert. 

This chamber was strangely decorated : there were marble 
statues chiseled so perfect unto Nature, that one could think 
Nature must have been the sculptor and not the hand of 
mortal. Large paintings of sacred animals were hung upon 
the beautifully decorated walls, and the ceiling was of heaven- 
ly azure, studded with stars of a natural tint. 

A low burning fire in a barred grate shed a richer glow 


2 


DESRA. 


Upon the crimson draperies that hung in deep folds, and a 
lighted lantern suspended from the ceiling was globed with 
dull red glass with yellow crowns. 

This was the sacred chamber, and was open to no one but 
the King, lest the walls should echo the memories stored there- 
in, or lest they should draw its power of charm and dissipate 
the lingering visions of long ago. 

The Egyptian King seated himself upon a low fauteuil 
made of some rare wood, which stood upon the skin of a 
leopard before the fire grating. In his meditation his eager 
eyes searched the shadowy embers of the wood and wooded 
ashes for the outline of a beloved face, and he listened for the 
sound of a once dear voice. 

Alack ! as the eye beheld the form of this old King sitting 
in a lonely meditation, his solitary loneliness dispelled the 
beauty of the rich soft glow foreshown by the rare designs of 
art and by the rich crimson draperies. 

The King passed his hands before his eyes, and 'twas a 
speculation whether he in this meditative mood was in fancy 
chimeras held or whether his brain was swathed in wild imag- 
inations. 

Hark ye! one sound falls audibly upon the ear of the 
listener, as tenderly as the plaints of Echo calling for her be- 
loved Narcissus — ’twas a low lament, a sound — ^but, only one 
word, ‘‘Nitobef’ In a predominate passion he cried in hope- 
less pity : ‘‘Ye gods, hearest not the piteous cry of thy wretched 
King — they pierce these silent walls and must rent the still 
everywhere, reaching thy abode!'’ 

He stepped to the opening leading into a court and sounded 
his trumpet, and at once an attendant appeared and stood with- 
out the opening awaiting the King’s orders. 


DESRA. 


3 


“Moor, go thou and bid Fleur de lis here, — the King, his 
majesty, awaiteth him within the sacred chamber.” 

The King in his restlessness walked slowly with measured 
steps round, stroking his long plaited beard ; his eyes suddenly, 
as if arrested by the devices ornamented upon his rich apron, 
searched for the hidden pocket in the folds of the apron, and 
his trembling hands carefully drew from this pocket, a piece 
of skin in which was wrapped a small ivory box. Upon open- 
ing the box, his eyes fell upon the face of a woman, carved 
upon a square of gold, and in delicate lines. As the King stood 
with picture in hand, an attendant resounded the trumpet with- 
out the opening and the King turned quickly and admitted 
Fleur de lis. 

Fleur de lis was a youth of mighty stature, eyes of the 
color black, keen, searching and restless. His hair was black, 
his face round and his complexion fair; his face appealed unto 
all to be one of a daring youth, dauntless and venturesome. 
The Egyptian culture had given him the magic mellow of a 
deep voice; the Hindu genius had quickened his powers of 
mind, and, also did the agile litheness of the Hindu make him 
good to look upon. 

This youth was never Wearied by any studies, but he was 
inclined to seek to master great court matters and at all times 
he seemed to rejoice in that which was startling and majestic, 
liking great adventures in the wilds. His favorite sport was 
gaming and reveling in Nature’s fields and mountains. His 
keen interest in delving into great absorbent mysteries of the 
wilds, gained him the name, the Prince of Nature. 

Fleur de lis entered the chamber and upon bended knee he 
kissed the hand of the King. 

“O King, my majesty, dost thou call for Fleur de lis, I 
come to serve thee.” 


4 


DESRA. 


‘The King doth call, my youth:’’ “’Tis a duty which I 
have long foresworn to reveal unto thee. Come thou here 
Prince, seat thyself before me, that I mayst gaze into thy eyes 
and in gazing, behold naught but the light of love and pity.” 

The King and Fleur de lis sat in silence, as if in a state of 
tranquil reverence, gazing into the fire-grating, before the 
King spoke; he looked long, intently and lovingly upon Fleur 
de lis, fondly clasping his hand — ’twas then he spoke. 

“Fleur de lis, I wish to reveal the story of thy life, of 
which thou hath many times desired of me, but thy lips must 
forever in silence be sealed; thy promise. Prince?” 

“My King, my promise thou heareth from my own lips; 
the gods do bear me witness!” 

“Thy words are well chosen, now giveth thy ear.” 

“Many months, months did I speak. Prince, ah ! my mind 
doth wander; nay, ’twas many years, nearly a score of years 
ago. Come to the opening and I will point it out for thee. 

“Yon desert, the Libyan desert was reported to have con- 
tained gold ore, which counted vast fortunes; one day at the 
setting of the sun, one of my guardsmen commissioned a her- 
ald unto me reporting the Libyan desert was being flooded with 
Indians, who were digging the ore and conveying it away by 
means of a train of camels. At once, I petitioned men to 
march into this desert and overpower the Indian habitants, 
fetch them captives and also secure the ore already dug by 
them. My men set out upon their journey and within a few 
days, they returned, fetching a number of Indian captives and 
their ore, together with their train of camels.” 

The King faltered and sobbed and Fleur de lis was amazed. 

“O, King! why dost thou weep, now upon such a long- 


DESRA. 


5 


buried secret, ’tis gone, and ’twas but thy duty as the King of 
Egypt to promote thy country’s gain.” 

The King led Fleur de lis back before the fire grating and 
continued his story. 

“Then, Prince, then upon the following dawu, I entered 
my court to place the captives in their respective places. In 
placing the Indian chiefs, the squaws and the maids, I over- 
looked one maid, the last in the line. I looked long upon her, 
and her beauty, her natural ease, dignity and defiant, yet calm 
attitude was appealing. I turned to my guardsmen; take 
thou, the captives into their assigned places, but the maid, 
standing last in line, bid her remain here. 

“They were slowly marched from the chapel, some in fear 
and unrest, others in a defiant mood. I spoke imto the one 
maid standing alone, awaiting my command. 

“She answered me promptly in respect, yet w^ith injured 
dignity ; she seemed not to understand why they were all with- 
in my palace, and again, that she had not been assigned with 
the others. She stood before me a suppliant in childish won- 
der, appearing but a nymph from Nature’s wilds, and, yet a 
strangeness seemed to cling to her as a vapor, invisible to my 
eye, and conscious to my mind. 

“Her long black, glossy hair, hanging loosely upon her 
shoulders, her dark grey eyes in open stare upon me ; her robe 
of white and scarlet carelessly wrapped round her lithe body, 
her bare feet clad in sandals of the skin of some wild animal. 

“Dost thou follow me, Fleur de lis ?” 

“Yea, my king, thy strange story doth charm me — I follow 
in close lines.” 

“This maid, I didst gaze into her questioning eyes, and 
long upon her until I Xvas lost in admiration. Her modest 


6 


DESRA. 


plainness charmed me, and my brain was in a whirl. In an- 
swer to my questions she replied : 

‘‘ ‘My master, I am called Nitobe.’ 

I became more conscious of a great strangeness round her, 
and she appeared more clearly to be of a different people, not- 
withstanding the fact, that she was found with the Indians. 

“Nitobe, I spoke unto her, go thou with the attendant into 
thy own chamber, and be thou comforted, for thou shalt be 
one of the Egyptians. 

“I waited her coming late in the evening hours ; at last she 
came walking with head erect and her wonderful eyes behold- 
ing all the dazzling glories of the court, which were new unto 
her. The attendant had robed her in tinseled white ; her bared 
arms were ornamented with armlets of gold and silver, her 
dark hair was bound loosely with gold bands, and upon her 
feet she wore dainty papyrus sandals strapped with white and 
gold. 

“She was the princess of a strange people, I felt certain, 
but, now she was changed into the form of one of Venus’s 
nymphs, and while I gazed upon her, she passed into the glori- 
fied form of a magical power. Had she been a magician, she 
could ne’er have cast such a magic spell upon me, thrilling my 
soul with delight. 

“I drew her into words, for she conversed quite intelligently 
in the Egyptian tongue — she was unconscious of her intelligent 
power of conversing and was wholly unconscious of her won- 
derful personality, her beauty and her grace. 

“My boy, ’tis enough spoken ; she soon became a close com- 
panion and so endeared herself unto my lonely heart, that I 
couldst scarcely endure her absence the whole of one day. 
Several years passed, in this close companionship, when the 
crisis came, — the maid was delivered of a son. 


DESRA. 


7 


“Giveth thy ear, Fleur de lis ? 

“A mother, the mother of an infant boy, and ’twas then 
Nitobe passed away. 

“The one great sorrow of my life came upon that day, 
when Nitobe, taken by the gods, left me alone — alone in my 
wretchedness. 

“O gods, my heart is braver than I thought to live these 
many years without her — ^but, the babe she left with 
me hath shared my lonely hours and hath enriched my life 
more than the jewels of the kingdom’s crown. 

“Fleur de lis, thou hast heard my story, what hast thou in 
answer? 

“Doth understand, this maid Nitobe, I made my concubine 
slave — ^and her infant babe, was thyself. 

“Fleur de lis, the strange princess Avas thy mother. My 
son, my son, speak, but call me father, only once that I may 
hear the name from thy lips.” 

Fleur de lis in the awakening of this revelation, sat spell’d 
with the words of the story, when impulsively he arose 
upon his feet and threw his arms round the King. “Father, 
my father, at last I have found thee, and mother, couldst I 
embrace thee ! 

“Father, in the madness of this new joy, is it a dream, am 
I crazed — dost thou behold too, the shadowy lines appearing 
upon the wall?” 

“Nay, my son, thou dost but dream, — ^my eyes behold not 
the shadowy lines appearing upon the wall ; thy fancies have 
crazed thy brain. 

“O, gods, what is it I behold — ^turn thy eyes upward my 
son; the star in the azure ceiling, ho’w it brightens, behold it 
is lighted.” 


8 


DESRA. 


“Mother mine, thy soul doth shine through the star — 
bright, brighter.” 

“ ’Tis true, my son, the star will ever shine to guide thy 
life, for 'tis thy dear mother hovering near and round thee.” 


CHAPTER IL 


THE CROWN PRINCE. 

The Bird Capital, which was the capital of Upper Egypt, 
was made attractive for the occasion of crowning Fleur de lis, 
the crown prince of the higher court of Egypt. 

Entering the temple, a number of soldiers carried twigs 
of the bay tree, together with trumpets, and they were followed 
by eight judges wearing long loose robes, each wearing a 
silver train with the figure of Truth made of lapis lazuli, sus- 
pended from it. 

Two knights followed bearing a square of purple upon 
which was placed the bulla, to be placed upon the right arm 
of the Prince who came next. He wore a large apron wrap- 
ped around his body, divided in three folds and upon the side 
of his head a badge which hung to his shoulders terminating 
with gold fringe; his right arm was exposed for the cere- 
monies. 

Escorting the King were two attendants wearing crimson 
robes and purple fillets, with hawks feathers upon their heads. 
The assembly was held in a reverenced silence while the sac- 
red scribe read the ceremony lines — 

“The hereditary monarch, great councilor of the world, this 


10 


DESRA. 


royal knight, doth crown Prince of the great house ; the gods 
assemble to assign thy duties — the King be justified !” 

The King then placed the bulla upon the bare arm of Fleur 
de lis, and he stood without speech; in his effort to speak his 
voice became silent, his tongue dumb and he turned and 
seated himself upon the golden bench, while the royal scribes 
concluded the ceremonies. 

The procession moved without the temple, mid sounds of 
the trumpets and shouts of joy. 

A feast was in readiness for them and they were all served 
in one large temple, being attended by purple-clad youths, 
sounding their trumpets and whiten robed maidens singing. A 
garland of papyrus was placed upon the head of the Crown 
Prince, and then the feast began. 

Wine was served from the typhonian vase as a number of 
youths played sistrums ; throughout the feast music was played 
and songs were sung. 

The feast having been finished, Desra, daughter to the 
King, stood before Fleur de lis, and upon the right moment, 
clasped the royal robe upon the shoulders of the crowned 
Prince; with soft tones she spoke — “My princely companion, 
thou doth me great honor.” 

Fleur de lis restrained himself, when his upward glance 
met the gaze of the King and he stood in silence, while Desra, 
his sister, passed on. 

Margaret came lastly and faltered but a few moments, 
speaking, “Fleur de lis, crown Prince of Egypt, I commend 
thee unto the goodly guidance of Lucina,” and turning she left 
him. 

The guests having departed, each entering into their own 
courts and chambers while the King entered into his own court 


DESRA. 


11 


and Fleur de lis awaited, alone within the temple for Margaret. 

Desra and Margaret returned and Desra quietly withdrew, 
entering a court nearby, leaving Margaret and Fleur de lis 
alone. 

Fleur de lis stood with his eyes fastened upon Margaret as 
she came walking with such grace, up the dome-lined court to 
greet him. 

“Margaret, my beloved, I am now crowned Prince of the 
higher court, yea, but a greater joy, a secret I have to unfold : 
the King hath spoken but the day past, and he did relate the 
great secret of my life. 

“Sweet maid, I well remember, the King doth not approve 
of our meeting within the court, and tonight when darkness 
doth fall, come thou into the garden temple, by the waterway, 
that I mayst be with thee and reveal the great secret which the 
King hath related. 

“Dear Prince, the secret, is it well that thou shouldst re- 
veal it, when the King doth hold it sacred, but I question thee 
not, my Prince, for thou well knoweth thy mind ; tonight when 
darkness falleth, I shall come into the garden temple.” 

Margaret stood in raptured silence watching the retreating 
form of her lover, as he disappeared in answer to the King’s 
trumpet sound. Desra standing in a distant court, coming 
forward, laughingly spoke: “No lover’s quarrel?” 

“Nay, Desra.” 

“Why didst the Prince depart so quickly ; why leaveth thou 
in the shadow of this gloom?” 

“Desra, thou dost but think ill of Fleur de lis — he quarreled 
not with me, neither did he leave me in the gloom, but in haste, 
only to answer the King’s call. Tonight, I am to meet him 
in yon temple by the water-way, for he hath a great secret. 


12 


DESRA. 


the mysterious secret of his life, from the lips of the King — 
this he wouldst relate. Desra his eyes didst glare so, his 
hands so nervously didst clasp mine; dost thou think canst be 
ill news — this secret — speak, dost thou believe it so ?” 

“Nay, Margaret, I vow, ’tis but the rehearsing of his 
ardent love for thee ; canst be naught but good. Dost thou not 
know, I know the whole life of Fleur de lis, that he doth hold 
no secret from me — ^nay, ’tis some love avowal. His life is 
liken an open page and is as noble as one of the gods; let us 
away, it grows late.” 

“Come then Desra into the gardens, before it grows too 
late to enjoy its beauties.” 


CHAPTER III. 


THE TEMPLE OF VENUS. 

O love of love, offering of the mighty gods, 

We wouldst feign have thy power in bondage — 

Thy spirit aspireth every cloud in the heavens. 

And Mercury’s messenger doth soar boldly round 
Whispering to the o’erfraught heart — the wondrous eyes 
Of Mars are courted by thy pleasure arts ; thy hidden 
Power is mighty as Venus ‘whom the gods do decree 
To bewitch and rent the heart. Thy prisoners we art 
Be what we may, held in silence long; couldst we 
Have the power to o’er speak, we wouldst but chide 
Thee, for Cupid has bared our breasts, hath pierced 
Our hearts, where the gods of love didst bum their seal ! 

A white marble statue of Venus, with a large swan stood 
before the temple of Venus; this goddess “was believed to have 
been formed from the foam of the Nile waters, who was led 
by Ibis, to a pair of bleeding hearts upon the Nile banks, that 
she might console them. 

It was a custom among the Egyptians, for betrothed lovers 
to retire into this temple and sacrifice flowers before Venus, — 


14 


DESRA. 


and upon this eve Fleur de lis and Margaret entered and sacri- 
ficed fresh flowers unto the goddess; so profusely were they 
strewn that the sweet scent came as Nature herself might have 
been embosomed therein. 

A basin of molten brass was festooned with a gold chain 
which was interlaced with ivory lotus buds and which was deli- 
cately graceful. Fleur de lis, in filling the gold cup with the 
water from the basin, tossed the cup back into the basin, and 
he and Margaret turned and fled from the temple — the water 
within the basin had oome in a turmoil, boiling angrily. 

Scarcely had they reached the outer gate, when the god- 
dess spoke — 

“Nay, quit not thy sacred vows; the water is an omen of 
approaching danger, which only hangs o’er thee. Be ye true 
in heart and lasting love unto one another, when the danger 
approaches, 'twill be but the dawn of eternal happiness !’’ 

“Fleur de lis, didst thou too hear those strange words.” 

“Yea, Margaret I heard them, they were from the goddess 
Venus — come, let us not be fearful — naught can e’er separate 
us.” 

“Why speakest thou of separation, my Prince?” 

“ ’Tis but a shadow from this ill omen; methinks this dan- 
ger which is lurking near and round us, might it be a war ?” 

“Nay, Prince, in mercy let us depart from the gardens — the 
fountains seemed filled with blood, the trees are so silent, the 
whole garden doth wear a new horror, come.” 

“True, beloved, let us into the courts, where all is life and 
brightness, there the symphony of loving and of sweet words 
the silver dawn awakened me with a gladness, because, thou 
were crowned Prince, doth thou think every morn hereafter, 
which followeth, I shall be awakened with glories of thy new 


DESRA. 


15 


life; and each and every evening’s dusk of gold shalt fetch 
richer joy unto me?” 

“Beloved, may each morn, each night fetch new and greater 
glories for thee, and mayst thou always greet thy lover with 
thy sweet face wreathed with bright smiles. 

“We have forgotten the secret that I wouldst reveal — ’tis of 
my life. 

“Many years ago a number of Indians were captured in the 
Libyan desert, and fetched as captives into the king’s palace; 
from among these Indians, a maid who had been foiuid or 
stolen by the Indians, was chosen by the king, who made her 
one of the Egyptians. She was a princess of a strange people 
and for several years she was the close companion to the king, 
when, at last, she being delivered of a son, she passed into 
the better world, to dwell with the gods; the infant babe, 
motherless, lived and became a strong youth, developing into 
a man. The man became the Crown Prince of Egypt, and by 
right of inheritance is heir to the crown of Egypt. Beloved, 
behold in thy lover, Fleur de lis, heir to the crown of Egypt !” 


CHAPTER IV. 

THE GIZEHEAN RULER. 

Thosseleaus was a celebrated scholar and was far famed 
for his philosophy ; he was also reputed to be a seer, possess- 
ing power of blessing and of cursing effectually. He was so 
conspicuous that his fame was heralded into every place, he 
was the magician whose powers divined futurity for Egypt. 
His genial disposition and conversational powers recommended 
him unto the favour of the King of Egypt, and because of 
these powers the king had upon one time dispatched him upon 
a secret mission into a place, by name Gizeh, not a great dis- 
tance below Alexandrae. In Gizeh there was an Oracle which 
was questioned upon all events about to take place, or was pe- 
titioned for prophecies; upon this event the seer solicited ad- 
vice from the Oracle and detailed it unto the king. So true 
were his prophecies that the king rewarded him by bestowing 
upon him the district of Gizeh, in perpetual and entire sover- 
eignty, appointing him unto the office of governor. 

The king received a herald from this ruler of Gizeh pur- 
porting a visit into Alexandrae. 

A barge with its silver sails and trimmings of purple and 
white, bearing Thosseleaus traveled upon the waters of the 
Nile, reaching Alexandrae at mid-day. 


DESRA. 


17 


This ruler portrays an individual, making a wonderful im- 
press upon the mind, as he stands upon the Nile banks, enter- 
ing into Alexandrae. 

He stood erect, his great dark eyes seemingly penetrating 
the depths of everywhere; his sight perceived the great 
ubiquitary power o’er shadowing Egyptland. His long flow- 
ing white beard and long white hair marked the distinction 
between Thosseleaus and the ordinary Egyptian. His robe of 
black was designed with gold devices and his cap of black 
was worked in gold. 

Entering the gardens he was greeted by the courtiers who 
escorted him into the king’s chamber. 

“Thosseleaus, I biddeth welcome unto thee, once more; 
thy coming into Alexandrae is vaticinal, I well knoweth, and 
my unreast increaseth my fears ; what now hath thou that the 
Oracle spoke unto the Egyptian people?” 

“O, King, my majesty, I am disturbed, for the Oracle hath 
spoken. At the setting of sun, ruler, go thou not many rods to 
thy right, within the gardens of the Sphinx, until thy eyes 
beholdeth the great rock, entereth, thou, into this excavation 
and learn of a great event, — the gods willeth it so. 

“O, King, I entered into the excavation and in amazement 
I didst hear the god Chepren speaking: 

“ ‘Seer of the Egyptians, the gods do will thou shalt de- 
part from Gizeh and go thou into Alexandrae and there seek 
eth the King, and relate unto the King this herald — “The 
Persians are in fast preparations for a coming war, not so 
immediately, but within a short time hence; the Persians will 
enter from the east gate of Alexandrae. The King is to 
strengthen his fortifications and prepare !’ ” 

“These are the words spoken by the Oracle, my King.” 


18 


DESRA. 


The King had expected an ill omen, but he darest hot 
think this herald to confront him — the Persians their most 
dreaded enemies, most feared of all. 

“Thosseleaus, well done. Thy services shall be rewarded, as 
before — ’twas but yestem I believed the Egyptians safe in 
strong defense, but today, great fear maketh me tremble. 

“Alas ! seer, retire thou unto thy rest, and I shall seek coun- 
sel with my own thoughts, for we shall begin our prepara- 
tions at once to fortify and strengthen our army^ — rest thou 
until thy varlet doth arouse thee !” 

The King sat in confusion. He had always governed the 
institution of his country with great order and system, and 
now, he beheld prevailing within his country the horrors of 
this war, the approach of the Persians for which they were 
wholly unprepared. He called an advisory meeting of his 
counselors to promote new preparations for the coming war. 

The first action to be taken was to strengthen their de- 
fense. The enemy would enter from the east side where 
Egypt was weakest, but for the Persians to reach the eastern 
side it would be necessary to take a circuitous route, thus 
enabling the Egyptians with a view of their approach. 

The counselors had thought at one moment, upon hear- 
ing of the King’s plans, that it would be impossible to for- 
ify, but, upon discussion of the plan, they clearly understood 
and agreed to begin work in fortifying the place; and at sun- 
rise the following day hundreds of laborers 'were to be sum- 
moned to dig trenches and throw up mounds, and to strength- 
en their ramparts of walls and towers. They were 
not now, feeble defensive structures, but height was needed, 
and at intervals towers of greater height would be con- 
structed. 


DESRA. 


19 


The solidity of their walls was thought to surpass that of 
any other country’s ramparts, because they were cemented by 
means of bitumen. They presented a solid defense and en- 
compassed a vast area, and their vastidity prepared a defen- 
sive position from which the army might either advance or 
retire without confusion. 

It was the hope of the Egyptians that the siege would not 
drag on in petty sanguinary attacks, but would end quickly, and 
they were combining science, labor and force to make an effi- 
cient defense. 

Many times in the past the King had commissioned Thos- 
seleaus upon cruel expeditions, such as entering into villages 
whose inhabitants were peaceful, wherein evil seemed to be 
a nonentity, where the virulence of malice was unknown — and 
destroying their peace and happiness, by seizing their fam- 
ilies and stealing their homes, thus placing them in the power 
of the Egyptian King. All this had been done by will of the 
great seer, whom the oracles were reputed to direct. The 
King having experienced such marvelous results with Thosse- 
leaus’s Avork, he now had faith in the seer to invoke the bless- 
ing of the gods, unto prosperity and success, or to curse with 
evil unto destruction any people. He decided to dispatch this 
sapient prophet again — this time into Persia, to dispel with evil 
oracles their strength, by visiting plagues upon their people 
and to afflict them with ophthalmia — a blindness. 

Such was the plan of the King : Thosseleaus should travel 
into Persia and enroute to stop at all places and therein work 
his power to destruction upon the people. 

Were he successful ’twould be a glorious victory for the 
Egyptians, but were he to fail, they would be called forth to 
exercise their skill to make the defense. 


20 


DESRA. 


Before the counselors departed, it was agreed that the 
sapient prophet would upon the second day hence repair into 
Persia; also that at upon the morning’s dawn the laborers were 
to be summoned to begin work in strengthening the ramparts. 

The King now being alone, meditated upon his cruel plan, 
that of commissioning the seer into Persia, and any effort 
made to intimidate him would have been in vain. He slowly 
arose from his bench and walked to a low window, pausing 
thereby, he drew aside the heavy draperies; as he looked into 
the dark night, the lonely moon gazed upon him in pity and 
strange vagaries filled his troubled mind. 

“Gods, speaketh thou, why this drear that filleth my bosom, 
and this horror that creepeth into my thoughts? Beloved 
queen, ’tis of thee — the absence of thy dear self that doth fill 
my bosom with grief ; it must be this emptiness, that doth fill 
me with a horror. ’Tis now many moons ago since thou didst 
leave me, and tonight, upon this eve of my greatest plans, I 
want thee, beloved. Alas! I am but a weak man and I need 
thy courage. I gaze upon the pictured memory of thy sweet 
face and sadly I recount the moments of the bliss, the first 
meeting, the first stolen embrace. I stretch my arms into the 
shadowy land now, but my arms are empty; I search the every- 
where and I find thee not. The silvery moon speaketh of thee 
and doth shine in pity — it doth caress me with its argent rays, 
it doth embrace me with sweet visions. Lo! the stillness of 
the night doth but haunt me — ah ! my beloved princess, my lost 
love, come back to me I” 


CHAPTER V. 


THE GODS^ PLEASURE. 

The idlers were in the court attending an entertainment 
which was enchanting — the entertainment consisting of songs 
and dances which expressed the movements of the soul, and 
perspectives that charmed the eye in deceiving it. This was 
called an opera, which signified in the language of the Seven 
Mountains, work, care, occupation, industry, enterprise, busi- 
ness. A female dancer charmed everyone with her dainty 
steps and the grace that accompanied her, and even the King 
was enchanted, he presenting her with a handful of emeralds. 
This child of genius and the Egyptian King became most 
friendly, when the King turned and left the gay scene. 

“Didst thou ever know so unfortimate a maid as myself?” 

“Pray tell me how came the King to quit in so abrupt a 
manner, so polite a court, so gay an audience.” 

Alas, the damsel found no response — in anger she tossed 
the emeralds into the court, she tore her anklets, she abused the 
King. 

In one comer of the court was a large diamond, the largest 
stone ever unearthed in Egypt ; encased in it was a lantern of 
thinnest gold, over which was suspended a small statue of 
Herpocrates, festooned with the sweet eglatine and myrtle. 


22 


DESRA. 


This lantern was lighted by the hand of Margaret, who was 
newly betrothed. 

The beautiful Desra robed in whiten silks stood nearby, but 
in a pensive mood. 

“Ah ! Desra, behold the happy Margaret blushing with new 
delights — thou shouldst likewise select for thyself a lover, liken 
the Prince Fleur de lis.” 

“Well spoken, my friends ; nay, the love of a lover I know- 
eth not, neither shall I seek such a love, for this love, that 
which thou cravest and seekest is to me a madness, nothing 
more. As for thy own minds, I canst but speak — revel in 
these fancies of this love and seeketh the great love of thy 
lovers.” 

Desra presently beheld her companions walk out of the 
court and in so doing, they almost all eyed the beautiful Desra 
with a tender look and bowed to her in greeting. 

Was she unfortunate or were her companions foolishly 
happy in this, the most sought for love? 

Fleur de lis with Margaret was the last to depart, and 
Desra heard the words of the two lovers : “Beloved Margaret, 
rest thyself in my embrace, lift thy beautiful eyes upward 
that I may behold in them, that which my heart doth crave — 
so wouldst I always hold thee in my strong arms and protect 
thee from all else, but a fear doth creep into my mind — ” 

“Fleur de lis, ’tis but the craven fear born from the warn- 
ing uttered by the oracle.” 

“Yea, beloved, but it doth haunt me; my mind is weary 
with its taunts, and my brain is in a whirl liken madness.” 

“My Prince, turn thy eyes, behold the diamond lantern 
garlanded Avith eglantine and myrtle, doth thy ears not hear 
the blessing of the god Herpocrates, echoing every where? 


DESRA. 


23 


’Twas I who lighted the lantern, and ’twas I whom Herpocrates 
didst bless in our springtime of love.” 

“Beloved, thou thinkest me cowardly in heart, and well I 
am. Thy courage is strong and thy spirit brave; ’tis well, 
for they shall offer thee defense in the coming danger.” 

The hearts of these two lovers were too full, and they loved 
each other too much to think of a future dawning whence they 
would be separated entirely, but those words spoken by the 
oracle, Fleur de lis, too well heard, still secretly terrified him, 
and caused him an unrest, whilst the eulogiums paid his beauti- 
ful Margaret still increased his love. 


GHAPTER VI. 


SILENT PERSUASION. 

Seated upon a bench, nearby the lake, within the garden, 
Thosseleaus came upon Desra and Margaret; before them 
dancing and singing was Sir Folly. His foolish rhymes fell 
upon Thosseleaus’s ear — “O crimson dawn, kissed by the 
enamored clouds soaring o’erhead, we greet thee with joy; 
thou art a fair jest unto my lady, all the world is but a jest to 
her. Fair Queen, thou hast bemocked love; have a care — ^have 
a c-a-r-e ; when love is mocked melancholy doth take the place 
of joy. Now of all the world thou art the merriest ; alack ! me- 
thinks of all the world, thou wilt be the sorriest — so have a 
care, have a c-a-r-e.” 

“Come daughter, I wouldst speak with thee alone.” 

Desra turned to whence the words came and there stood 
Thosseleaus robed in his loose black robe, whereupon Desra 
arose from the bench. 

“Margaret hearest thou that which Thosseleaus hath 
spoken; retire thou into the garden, there await my coming, 
and Sir Folly do thou my bidding; dance thy steps and sing 
thy foolish rhymes before the Lady Margaret.” 

“Pray seat thyself, my good friend.” 

“Fair daughter, in my solitary walk this morning, how 


DESRA. 


25 


pleased I am that my steps led me here. ’Tis now maqy 
moons since I have been with thee; countless days have I so 
desired to speak with thee again. Thou dost recall thy prom- 
ise given me not to relate that which I spoke unto thee, before 
I left Alexandrae — ^and well thou hast kept thy good promise, 
for the King may have beheaded me for daring to offer words 
of love to his daughter. Throughout all these moons I have 
held sacred my deep love for thee; I have pleaded with the 
gods to protect thee; I have petitioned the oracles to direct 
thee, but daughter, dost thou know of my mission in Alex-an- 
drae yestern?” 

“Yea, seer, I knowest thou hast come with some evil omen, 
for the King is much disturbed, I pray thee what is it, this 
herald.” 

“Dearest maid, I wouldst refrain from importing ill news, 
but thou shouldst know, that the oracles have spoken these 
words — “Go thou hence into Alexandrae and therein warn the 
King that Persia is in preparation for an attack upon Egypt.” 

Desra was silent. “Dost thou understand what this means 
for the Egyptians, for thy country and for the King?” 

“Too well, Thosseleaus, I understand, but this herald, good 
friend, what did the King reply?” 

“Thou well knoweth my power, have witnessed the result 
of my workings — canst thou recall the wicked mission upon 
which the King hast before commissioned me? Daughter as 
thou hast faith in me, turn thy eyes away from me and I will 
relate the King’s reply.” The seer faltered in his words and 
a deep sigh escaped from him. 

“Good friend, pray thou go on.” 

“Yea, the journey — I am to enter into Persia and en route 
I am to stop, and with the direction of the oracles I am to 
afflict the people with ophthalmia.” 


26 


DESRA. 


‘Thosseleaus, my father the King has commissioned thee 
upon this wicked work — O, father, anything but that ! Mercy, 
ye gods upon these innocent people/’ 

Thosseleaus continued: ^‘All the people who are not 
afflicted with ophthalmia I am to weaken with plagues ; then, 
when I have wholly ravaged these places by these pestilences, 
I am to repair into Persia, therein to commit the same. Egypt 
shall then hold its victory without this bloody war.” 

Desra’s face was ashen and marked with misery; the hor- 
ror of this silenced all further conversation between them. 

The seer looked long into Desra’s eyes, and it was his in- 
tention to betray the King in this event. The loyalty which 
he had always felt for the King was naught in measure to his 
loyalty for Desra ; she was bowed in misery and he could but 
serve her. 

‘‘Daughter, thou knowest thy soul hast at all times de- 
lighted me with a sweet peace and harmony ; thy natural and 
honest manner doth charm me; I pray speak, dost thou wish 
me to commit these wicked deeds ?” 

“Thosseleaus, the King’s orders must be obeyed, for he 
who doth betray the King shall be beheaded. I bid thee leav- 
est me now alone ; in yon court Walks the King — go thou, join 
him and seer, my good friend, mayest thou ever be merciful 
unto the unfortunate and the innocent.” The eye of his under- 
standing be enlightened, for as the seer turned and left Desra, 
he knew that he would deceive the King. 

The lines of Sir Folly’s rhymes fell upon Desra with a 
newer conception — “methinks of all the world thou wilt be 
the sorriest, so have a care, have a c-a-r-e.” This monody of 
passion which the jester so lightly sang, now echoed louder and 
louder — ‘^of all the world thou are the sorriest.” 


DESRA. 


27 


“Desra, the fool doth disturb thy thoughts ?” 

“Not so, Margaret, the fool but speaks true.” 

“Then, what hast Thosseleaus spoken unto thee — thy eyes 
do but stare, thy face is drawn with pain.” 

“Asketh me not, sweet companion — ’tis naught — ’tis a pity 
that which I have for this old man. Come, dost thou not 
think we had best return for the mid-day feast — rememberest, 
companion, the King hath made preparations for a glorious 
feast ?” 

Near unto mid-day the trumpets sounded for the feast. 
The massive glass lanterns suspended in the feasting hall, shed 
their light upon a singular spectacle that was a fantastically 
imaginative sight. The hall resembled poppy fields and vine- 
yards, rich in the crimson red poppy, the burning incense lent 
much to the natural tint of the poppy, while the vineyards were 
circling founts wherein wine was flowing. 

Each guest before seating himself, turned with his face 
toward the east and made the sign of the cross upon his fore- 
head, and the King held before them the figure of Osiris. 

The feast began, the wicked King jested with loud laugh- 
ter, the toasts of the court “were many, and loud were the 
lighter jests from the court ladies — ^all seemed not to be dis- 
pelled by the o’erhanging gloom. 

Hobokak, the dancing maid, was led into the hall, to 
dance. She came looking not beautiful but pleasing in her 
loose robe of silvered gauze and her hair loose in natural lines. 
She wore armlets of gold, bracelets of many bangles and ank- 
lets of gold and silver, studded with many colored stones. Upon 
her head she wore one single band of jewels of green, blue, red 
and yellow, of the emerald, the turquoise, the ruby and the 


28 


MSRA. 


amber stones. The palms of her hands and the soles of her 
feet were stained with henna, as were also her nails. She with 
all the graces of the nymph danced the Sistrum before the 
merry guests. 


CHAPTER VIL 


IN COMMUNE. 

A group of unnamed gods stood upon an altar before the 
table, Typho being the one most conspicuous; each guest of 
the King was bidden to pour his class of wine upon the altar 
of Typho, in representation , of the Persian’s blood. 

A tissue from a papyrus was clasped by the hand of Typho, 
the god was to infest this tissue with power of destruction. 
Thosseleaus was called forth to receive the tissuous charm and 
the harsh words of the King were plainly heard throughout the 
court — 

“Go thou hence upon this journey upon the morn’s dawn; 
seeketh thou neither rest nor peace until thou hast passed into 
every place, ere thou reacheth Persia. Neither shalt thou 
cease thy efforts, until the eyes of all the people are blinded by 
the veil of Typho; neither shalt thou leave these places until 
thy eyes shall behold the ravages of these pestilences — accept 
thou this veil, the charm doth lie within it. Typho’s veil shalt 
cause the typhoons to blow cruelly, to blow terribly with des- 
truction upon all these people of our sworn enemies — thus wilt 
the great force of the divine decree of Typho measure one 
glorious victory for the Egyptian people. Enter thou every 
one into the temple in sacred commune with the gods, our pro- 
tectors, our deliverers.” 


30 


DESRA. 


Assembling therein they kneeled before this wicked god, in 
petition to crown the seer’s journey with victory. 

Thosseleaus gave ear to the King’s loud voice, but he 
would not accept the words of the vain, glorious man. He 
clasped the papyrus infested tissue tightly and wouldst have 
thrown it upon the floor and torn it into threads, when lo ! he 
heard the words of the King, and the divination of Typho 
spoke unto him. 

“Thou shalt return victor, thou shalt be,” 

Alack, the words became faint and more faint, the court 
seemed wrapped in a mist, and slowly, then clearly, a vision of 
a new glory passed before his eyes. ’Twas the face of Desra 
Wreathed in smiles clad in whiten robes and upon her head a 
crown of peaceful olives — it lingered in a silent persuasion for 
the redemption of the innocent people. 


CHAPTER VIII. 


VERSION OF THE STARS. 

Upon the morning’s dawn a barge slowly began to move 
upon the Nile, in it was the seer with his victorious secret, 
smiling; he bowed his head in one last farewell before the 
King. Well he knew it would be the last greeting, because the 
King had spoken, “unless with victory, lest thou shouldst pay 
the price of thy head.” 

The sun didst smile upon the Nile waters in its manifest- 
able way in splendor, the lark in the Persea tree didst swell 
its pretty throat with sweet notes for the seer; as the barge 
passed beyond Alexandrae, within the same hour Desra enter- 
eded the gardens, where she was affronted by a herald. Desra 
broke the seal and read — 

“To the daughter of the King — 

“This is a most cruel and hard fate compelling so many 
righteous and innocent people of Persia to be afflicted with 
opthalmia and with plagues which the King hath given unto 
me, the power to command. I have concluded that a further 
concealment is useless and that in this herald the truth shall 
be revealed — mayest this truth be revealed unto the king in 
some way, I care not how. 

“I follow the King through the labyrinth of error, I find 


32 


DESRA. 


therein the spirit, the cries of the 'wicked creeds of Typho; and 
too, I find recorded therein, the murderous deeds of this evil 
spirit, Typho. I swear unto thee, that the name of Thosseleaus 
shalt ne’er be recorded therein. I not alone protest against it, 
but I have formed a determined resolution that I will not curse 
a people with the black curse of pestilence to bring unto the 
King this governing power. As a crowning test of my 
mastery over this command of the King, or that of being be- 
headed, I throw myself into the peaceful waters of the Nile.” 

“The Oracle hath spoken — ‘the gods decree to cast thy 
spirit into the form of fishes, from whence thou shalt be de- 
creed into the form of a divine prophet once more.’ 

“Desra, thou wilt not think or speak of me as one dead, 
there wilt be no death ; when in the greatest fear and agitation, 
daughter, I shall arise from the waters of the Nile and guide 
thee with the magic light of the gods. Dear maid, rest thou in 
divine peace for in dangers I shalt come again. 

“Scribed and signed with the hand of Thosseleaus. 

“Witnessed by the gods above.” 

Desra concealed the strip within her robe. She felt a new 
secret joy; the smiling sun was brighter, the heavens were of 
an extraordinary color, the morning zephyrs playfully kissed 
the tall domes, the birds sang melodious songs and everything 
whispered unto her of peace and sublimity. 

The gardens appeared eminently picturesque, and how 
happy she was, when lo! the shadow of Thosseleaus’s sacrifice 
fell upon her. Her chivalric spirit, however, met the choral 
symphonies ringing within her and gradually the shadows 
faded, replaced not by its similitude — ^behold, upon the roral 
earth beneath her a tortil cross of golden light lay. 

Upon this night, when the wreaths of misty light encircled 


DESRA. 


33 


the fantastic shapes of the countless stars gathering glories 
from the light of the stars, until all mist melted into a peaceful 
air and the heavens so supremely grand were studded profusely 
with the brilliant light of the stars alone, the serene sky was in 
absolute freedom from clouds. No atmospheric waves dis- 
turbed its serenity — the heavenly hosts viewed the earth below. 

Three nymphs, Denebola, Spica and Arcturas, abided in a 
position of the heavens, and upon this hour they turned their 
brilliant lights upon the earth below, when they fell upon 
Desra. Denebola was speaking unto Spica and Arcturas — 
^'Turn thy eyes downward, behold Desra how she languishes 
for the loss of her good friend — she is liken our Queen Bernice 
for whom we abandoned our earthly abode and soared far 
above in the heavens.’’ 

’Tis true,” spoke Arcturas, ^‘in Queen Bernice’s tresses 
we were happy in proud beauty but are we not happier now in 
our celestial home, the miseries of yestern are forgotten to- 
day, come, let us away, lest we dim our eyes with tears and be 
called back to dwell upon earth once more!” Denebola and 
Spica turned their white light away from Desra, but Arcturas 
lingered in her red color pouring the warm glow of sympathy 
upon Desra. These lights were again turned from earth and 
they were alarmed with the sudden appearance of a new light. 

''Behold! Auriga doth appear in a powerful light and the 
light grows stronger. Hark, a danger must be lurking near.” 

"’Tis no danger Spica, for ’tis o’ershadowing the divine 
prophet who dwelleth in the land of Egypt, who is sailing upon 
the Nile waters.” 

"Behold thou the stern command of the charioteer — Res- 
cue, now he doth retreat into a lesser light; what doth it sig- 
nal?” 


34 


DESRA. 


‘‘He doth signal a victory for he hath saved the spirit of 
the lone seaman/’ 

And Thosseleaus the divine prophet alone upon the waters, 
content with the sacrifice which he was about to make lifted his 
eyes upward to the light of the famed charioteer, but the light 
faded and into his eyes alone, shone the memory of the light 
of Desra; ’twas the last look with his mortal eye — ’twas a 
memory. 

“Lo ! spoke the charioteer, the divine prophet departed from 
mortal’s life, to abide wherein the gods hath decreed, his mis- 
sion fulfilled upon earth, now a greater mission is his. And 
lo! spoke the charioteer, the waters of the Nile are the richer 
for the giving. 

From another position in the heavens brightly shining stars 
were descending upon Margaret and Gisrel as they were in the 
gardens. 

“Margaret, I didst place my boat upon the waters and 
Venus sank it not.” 

“For this thou must be thankful; ’tis the promise of the 
goddess for thy lover, sweet Gisrel.” 

The two abiding above; Calisto spoke, “Arcus they had 
best have a care, the gods didst in a jealous rage seize us from 
the earth below because of this mortal love — but behold now, 
Regulus shining in his splendid rays, pouring down from the 
heart of Lion, and Hydra beaming forth with strong light; 
he is in readiness to prey upon some mortal below. His hun- 
dred heads are in the act of devouring a prey, and ’tis upon the 
King of Egypt. The King, he is sitting alone within his 
palatial home. ’Tis true the gods have decreed upon his death 
and have summoned Hydra to their assistance. This King 
hath been judged a wicked ruler, unjust to the people and 


DESRA. 


35 


merciless to the innocent. Behold him how he scowls in 
mental visions, the fear in his eyes as he beholds the rays of 
Hydra upon him; now he is speaking: 

‘‘ ‘Wouldst I were one among thee, within thy heavenly 
abode, thy brilliancy blindeth mine eyes. Lo ! what speaketh 
thou — revenge? Cease thy mutterings, O light of the stars. 
Hydra, I command thou, cast thy rays away from mine 
troubled eyes, reproach me not, for ’twas power I sought for 
my people. Mercy, O gods ! cease thy warning, what wouldst 
thou I wouldst do ? But nay, the King I am, the King of the 
strongest people upon the earth, I rule them with a hand of 
iron, a bond of steel. ’Tis not that which thou wouldst have 
me do ; gods hearest me, 'tis what I, the King wouldst have my 
people do. I wilt close my windows and shut out thou pene- 
trating rays, for thou shalt gaze no longer upon me with thy 
threats.’ ” 

The King closed his chamber and sat lost in his illusions, 
whilst Hydra’s tissue web lingered in silver rays round the 
palace. 

Hark! there soundeth a trumpet of war, there appeareth 
the Egyptian King in defeat ! 

Upon this hour the beauteous tints of the stars that hadst 
blended with harmony began to decline as the heavens became 
light with the morning’s glorious dawn, and the stars sank 
into their abode of rest, lost in the streams of morning light 
which in tremulous motion danced upon the earth below. The 
eye of mortal was greeted with the vision of Aurora, who 
then appeareth to summons mortal from their slumber. 


CHAPTER IX. 


THE TRUST. 

‘‘Power of powers, thou shalt be known; 

Truth thou shalt be unveiled; 

O Justice, thou shalt be established!’’ 

The King was wrapped in melancholic memories of long 
ago, but he spoke of the perils now hovering o’er his people. 
His eyes in penetrating the black mantle of darkness round, 
looked far and long ; at first he beheld dark warnings, then he 
looked far into a fairer land of bright sunshine and blooming 
flowers, shaded by mountains and cooled by clear streams 
where Nature ruled in heaven as his Princess Nitobe hadst 
ruled in mortal life, next to the gods — ^^and content the King 
sat with this vision. 

The Crown Prince felt a sympathy for the King as he sat 
thus, gazing into the vacancy with distended gaze. 

“My son, I led thee into the garden, that I might speak 
with thee concerning the coming war; well dost thou know 
shouldst the powers of Thosseleaus fail upon this expedition, 
the Persians will march upon and attack us, and I feareth their 
skill and strength, my son, I feareth for my people. Son, the 
twilight that fell upon yon everlasting hills made one beautiful 
picture; the rising moon doth shed its flood of light to greet 


DESRA. 


37 


thee, the stars in their endless chain do hold the infinite 
mystery of the past and of the present and of the great un- 
known future. These beauties doth charm thee as only a 
Hindu can be charmed by Nature’s beauties, for the blood of 
the Hindu doth flow within thy veins.” 

^'My father, these beauties thrilleth my soul with delights, 
and—” 

‘‘Yea, son, as a Hindu, truthfulness, sturdy loyalty unto 
self and Nature, joyous bravery which all but amounts to 
playfulness thou doth seek the glories of the abounding Na- 
ture, whilst I the King with veins filled with Egyptian blood 
sit lonely in all the glories of Nature, lonely as only a prisoner 
held within the vaulted halls.” 

A silence fell upon them and the King grasped Fleur de 
lis’s hand limply and his grip weakened liken that of a child. 
“Thy mother, when she was dying spoke unto me : my King 
and master, this Amigo have I cherished many moons, the 
greatest Indian chief gave it to me when thy men captured the 
Indian train in the Libyan desert — ’tis the dried body of the 
two headed rattlesnake which born one, within a hundred 
years; it hast been sent upon earth by Chak-Now-Woof, take 
it master mine and ere the time cometh give it unto our son — 
no one canst be harmed who has it upon his body, even the 
bloodthirsty warriors wilt harm no man who doth carry it; 
beareth it unto our son, that his mother the Princess Nitobe of 
the Hindu received it from Chak-Now-Woof, the greatest of 
all great chiefs who guides with truth and justice. This 
prayer, my King, I do deliver for our son — “unto Him whose 
greatness the snowy ranges and the sea and the aerial river 
declare. I delivereth my son unto the divinities, Devata I do 
commandeth him, that thou mayest give him a long life, that 


38 


DESRA. 


of one hundred winters; that thou mayest heal any domestic 
faction which shall disturb him in his reign ; that thou mayest 
wreathe his sword in laurel bough, unto victories ; that thou 
mayest ne’er seek to bridle his ambitions, neither his power 
with and over his people — giveth unto my son, O Shining 
Ones, unbounded influence and countless victories. Heareth 
thou this brahmae.” 

‘'My son, accepteth thou this, my trust. I shalt not be 
with thee many moons for I heard the oracle speaking — O 
King of the Egyptians, thy cause lieth within the great un- 
known.” 

“Father mine, in faith, I believeth thou art weary in heart 
with the fears of this coming war with the Persians.” 

“Not so, Fleur de lis, ’twas the oracle’s words which didst 
set my mind to unrest, but the Amigo” — 

“I sweareth by the gods, by the memory of my dead mother 
that I shalt cherish it as a gift sent by the gods.” 

“Well spoken son, and now that thou doth understand, 
doth appreciate the power of the Amigo, come let us enter into 
the common hall, the cries of the victims art very angry.” 

“Doth thou censure the victims for their anger, father; 
methinks it is a bitter and balanced rivalry existing between 
the nobles and the common people and to a degree it is unjust, 
the seething ocean of wickedness and cruelties in which the 
captives are held is merciless.” 

“Thou son of mine, darest to attack the governmental laws 
and with withering sarcasm speak thus.” 

“But father ’tis true; who hath made this law, that no cap- 
tive canst be held during the feast of Apis, that these captives 
must be slain ?” 

The old King was silent. “Father behold before us, these 


DESRA. 


39 


captives chained together and being driven into the market 
place by light of torch, wherein the large open grave has been 
prepared ; who hath ordered these murderous devices hidden in 
this deep grave, in readiness to execute the captives; I asketh 
of thee, father, what god hath decreed this?” 

“Son, thou art young in the affairs of court; the eyes of the 
gods art more keen in sight than the eye of mortal. Who 
among us canst understand the ordination of the gods, whose 
wisdom is far greater than mortal. Thou wilt cause the wrath 
of the gods to be descended upon thee, by thy censure.” 

The mutterings and the cries of the victims and of the mad 
throng deafened their further conversation. 


CHAPTER X. 


THE PRICE OF FREEDOM. 

Hobokak, the dancing maid, was a captured princess of 
Barrage, her prince had been executed by the King and the 
Barrageans all captured. She sat alone within her tower, lis- 
tening to the clock striking ; it couldst have been the shrieking 
bolts of Jove’s thunder, low and heavy were its stroke pealing 
from the prison yard. The cry of the ravens in the nearby 
Persea trees and the starless heavens above Were in pity for the 
lonely princess. 

A step without aroused her — ‘Who cometh upon this late 
hour?” 

“A herald from the King.” 

The princess received the papyrus leaf and read, “To Prin- 
cess Hobokak — Thou art familiar with the laws of Egypt, 
knoweth this to be a law enacted, that before the feast of Apis 
is begun no captive shalt be held. The land must be free from 
captives; the prisons must be empty of their prisoners, either 
by the hand of execution or by order of release from the 
King. I scribe this herald, not that I durst not speak, but 
that duty holds me from my coming; signing thy freedom, 
I make thee a captive no longer. Yea, recalleth my words, 
thou hast sirenized thy King — thy face shalt be unveiled to me 


DESRA. 


41 


alone, for me shall thou dance thy steps in the shadow of thy 
own graces. I enclose the key to the tower — thou wilt not 
leave me, rather 'wilt thou remain and drink from the goblet of 
pleasure drawn from the Pieran Spring.” 

Hobokak read and reread these words; she was free, then 
her untrained mind led her back once more among her own 
savage people and she writhed her mouth in pain. '‘I am free! 
but my Prince he is gone and this King hath taken him from 
me. O gods, how didst I offend thee, thou who art so power- 
ful among my people; why didst thou resign my Prince into 
the keeping of these people. Hark ye! once more, as in days 
gone by, I do liveth in Barrage within my own dwelling 
grounds ; I behold my people clustering in worship and bowing 
in fear before their Prince, the fear that which urgeth them 
into obedience is stamped upon their faces; the unrest I can 
read in their uplifted eyes and now, their Prince doth turn 
aside, leaving this throng of people, and doth enter into his 
own temple; he doth beat me, his princess, Gods deliver me 
from this torture, my prince doth beat me so ; behold me upon 
bended knee for mercy begging! Prince, what wouldst thou 
have thy princess do? I have thy pleasures filled, I have served 
thee with every virtue. Have I not sacrificed all honor of 
woman to pleaseth thee in thy mad fancies. Nay, I wilt not 
murder the man, — not for the wealth of all the emerald mines ; 
hearest me, that which I have spoken — I defieth thee to make 
me commit murder. Strike me, beat me, and chain me in the 
dungeon, do what thou choosest, but I, Hobokak, will not 
commit this deed.” 

Upon this moment in the silence, out of the still watches of 
night, music more melodious than the spheres fell upon her 
ears and silenced her wild words. She gazed into the intense 


42 


DESRA. 


1 

darkness without the opening and these echoes continued to 
float into the chamber, soothing her mind. 

“Yea, 'tis true I am not in Barrage, paying homage before 
the Prince, for he is gone and I am within Alexandrae and 
shall always be protected, for I am the chosen maid of the 
Egyptian King.’’ 

A childish, happy light gleamed in her eyes and she was 
content. 

O Vanity, what power lieth hidden within thee, that doth 
compel Woman to obey thy wish! 


CHAPTER XI. 


THE NATALIS APIS. 

The first day of Thoth (August) 'was the birthday of Apis, 
son of the god Ptah, and also marked the inundation in Egypt. 
Apis, having been kept many weeks in a temple and being 
served by a virgin maiden, was upon this day led by scribes, 
first into sacred channels where he was showered with Nile 
waters, then into the open roadways, into a procession headed 
by the King riding in his chariot and accompanied by two 
youths bearing the fiabella. 

At mid-day a feast was given in a temple, wherein all the 
ceremonies were sacred and beautiful. 

Each guest was presented 'with a golden ewer containing 
sacred water, in which they bathed their hands; the head of 
each guest was anointed with sweet scented oil, as a token of 
welcome. The sandals of each guest were then removed and 
a twig of bay-leaf was given them, Desra receiving a chaplet 
of bay-leaf and myrtle. Vases of frankincense, liken the 
breath of spring, were placed round the hall; youths wearing 
yellow robes and bay-leaves played lyrics and maidens clad in 
blue sang as the statue of Ptah was being festooned with 
flowers. 

The feast lasted three hours, and being finished, each guest 


44 


DESRA. 


before departing placed his bay-leaf upon the base of the god 
Ptah, Desra placing her chaplet upon his head. 

This day marked the first day of the Natalis Apis, and up- 
on each following day, for seven days the festival was held, 
being celebrated with feasts, games and masquerades. 

Upon the seventh day a glad morn crowned the day that 
completed the festivities. The sun's fulgent rays descended 
upon Egypt with a gladsome light; the lark gaily sang its 
words of welcome to the streams of light that descended from 
the sun's chariot. The gracefully curved branches of the 
Persea tree with its foliage of ashen grey, yielded with spring- 
time pride, whereupon sat the golden crested hoopoe with its 
crest erect, singing joyfully. A grand procesion moved down 
the narrow roadway, moving onward toward the Nile. Trum- 
pets sounded, knights carried twigs of the olive, nobles rode in 
their cars and the King rode alone with his attendants follow- 
ing him. The kingly magnificence of the King, in his richly or- 
namented apron and pshent upon his head, was a great pride 
to the people. Scribes, nobles and a chorus of flower-kirtled 
maidens singing their lyrics were followed by the Crown 
Prince. Desra rode behind them in a chariot of beaten gold, 
with the eight spokes, and drawn by eight white horses wear- 
ing garlands of the olive and bay-leaf and blossoms — 'twas 
the chariot of Juno. 

Desra 'was robed in whiten, wearing no jewels. Upon her 
uncovered head she wore only' a band of gold, and in her loose 
hair, which hung upon her shoulders, were chains of the olives 
and myrtle. She appeared particularly simple and elegant in 
the flourish of her youth. 

Margaret and Gisrel, with the court ladies, rode next, and 
lastly the knights wearing their crimson plumes. They were 


DESRA. 


45 


followed by hundreds of people in cars, who moved in quick 
and regular motion. This ended the procession. 

Reaching the Nile, they found its waters were swollen, the 
foamy billows rising higher and higher, for the inundation 
was in progress. 

A cup of hammered silver ore was hurled into the surging, 
foaming billows by the Crown Prince, who was chosen cup- 
bearer by the King. This was a flux of Apis. Faint echoes 
of music were wafted down the water course, played by the 
boatmen of the Nile, upon their darabookas. Trumpets also 
sounded softly and the people stood watching the cup. It sank 
at last buried into the sandy bottom of the waters, and in rev- 
erence the people bowed their heads and the King spoke. 

''O Ptah we worship thy son Apis, who reigneth supremely 
within the hearts and minds of thy people. His coming into 
our land of Egypt do we honor with these festivities. 

From the bank the people moved onward to a canal where 
a dam had been made closing the canal, before the inundation, 
and upon this day it was to be cut with ceremony by the King, 
and as he reached the mount, he scattered lumps of dry clay 
and lime upon the banks. Great shouts of joy were heard as 
the signal for letting the inundation over the surface was 
sounded by the King's trumpeters. 

Before the dam had been builded a pillar of earth, being 
called the Bride of the Nile, and as the dam was cut the pillar 
was broken. It had been decreed by the gods that a virgin 
maid should be sacrificed to insure plentiful inundation. 

A maiden robed in whiten came forth, standing before the 
throng. She stood composed, as if glorified with the vision of 
self-sacrifice. She had been confined in a tower and was to be 
thrown into the waters. The gods had spoken, “She who sac- 
rifices much receiveth more the pleasure of the gods." 


46 


DESRA. 


But one moment before the sacrifice, suddenly darkness fell 
upon the whole of the land, a violent current agitated violently 
the waters of the Nile and a light streamed down from the 
heavens pouring down upon the figure of a man. Lo! upon 
the troubled waters, smiling with the great peace of divine 
happiness, stood Thosseleaus, the prophet. 

A note of alarm drawing the attention to the coming un- 
noticed peril had been heard by Desra alone, who upon this 
moment of dark suspense and wonderment recalled the words, 
‘‘when in danger I shall come again,’’ and behold, there ap- 
peared Thosseleaus in that exquisite poise of his character — 
calmness — his prophecy unveiled. 

By magic the heavens became lighted once again and the 
eyes of the people beheld the terrified maiden standing with 
eyes gazing into the fathomless waters from whence the di- 
vine prophet arose, and she lifted her eyes upward into the 
heavens to where he ascended. 

The agitated King arose in loud commands against this 
vision; he didst not comprehend this fatidical warning of the 
prophet until he was interrupted with hard, loud cries, which 
he heard from the wall beloW them. ’Twas the voice of an 
Egyptian crying out with the vehemence of terror “that the 
Persians were at hand !” 


CHAPTER XIL 


THE ATTACK. 

The Persians’ large troop of beautifully caparisoned 
white horses and magnificently armed men formed a cavalry 
more splendid than any cavalry seen in Egypt, and the Shah 
boasted of this fact, as he set them forward in advance over 
the route of his line of march to prepare the way for the pas- 
sage of his troops, while his eighty thousand men marched 
slowly en route, reaching Egypt as the Natilis Apidis was 
done. 

Excitement ran high among the Egyptian people and the 
royal party divided in a hasty retreat into the palace as the 
news of the attack was heard. 

The King issued orders for the movement of the Egyptian 
troops as the enemy was reported to be fast approaching. The 
generals did not doubt but that the event of one terrible con- 
flct was near at hand. The King, exhausted by the day’s fes- 
tivities and by the long watchings and violent emotions, later 
in the day retired to his chamber, bidding Arius to fetch Desra. 

“Father, 'what wouldst thou with me?” 

“Daughter, the siege will be hard and close, and shouldst 
the Persians strike down thy father, guard well my plans. I 
have trained thy mind efficiently, befitting of the Queen of 
Egypt. Weep not, Desra, but thou must heed my words.” 


48 


DESRA. 


Desra abruptly fled from the King, entering her chamber, 
where she wished to be alone. She was surging with an un- 
controllable passion for the wickedness of the Persians, in 
seeking to destroy her people with no cause but that of gain- 
ing power. Again she was tumultuous with an ungoverned 
grief for dangers that o’ershadowed them, then suddenly a 
thought of horror approached her: “Upon what mission 
didst thy father commission the divine prophet to fulfill among 
the many thousands of innocent people ?” 

Her eyes became dim and dimmer and they beheld, far 
without Alexandrae, a scene of horror. The natives were 
horrorstricken as they rushed to and fro in a frantic manner. 
The sky, which was clear and bright, instantly became blacken 
and dense; the sun did not entirely disappear, but shone 
through the heavy clouds with a violent light. Hark! The 
natives sounded a note of alarm, as a light breeze was felt. 
The breeze became hot and hotter, until the heat of an oven 
wouldst have been liken it. In the grey air everything 
seemed to be disappearing, the green leaves withered upon the 
trees, the wood structures of every kind warped and loudly 
cracked. In the distance, spotted only dimly, were the lights 
of candles screened by the dust and sand clouds. 

Who among them couldst reveal the mystery of this sud- 
den calamity. From whence did it come, where didst it travel, 
and by whom hadst it been commissioned ? 

One strange chieftain, blindly struggling, spoke before 
the people: “O people, who from among us has so angered 
the gods that they have sent the Khamseen Wind blowing 
upon us?” 

This scene faded and Desra was interrupted by the trum- 
pets without the palace, and ’twas then she understood its 
meaning. The Khamseen Wind liken the Typhoon Wind. 


DESRA. 


49 


The innocent wouldst be avenged. 

Through the night cries of pity and fear filled Desra's 
ears and she couldst but walk to and fro within her bed-cham- 
ber. At last, when the day began to break, a new horror came, 
for the enemy had well begun their attack. She had a fore- 
warning of their defeat and she sought the King and his court 
during the heat of the battle. 

“Father, our people cannot withstand this raging battle, 
herald thy surrender. ’Twill save thousands of lives. The 
skill of the Persians is far greater than that of our people. I 
implore thee, sound thy trumpet of peace, for the Egyptians 
will be defeated. 

“Father, hast thou no heart alive within thy bosom? Dost 
hear the shrieking cries of the innocent being slaugh- 
tered! The gods doth pity us when we jostle one another. 
The cries! How they pierce my heart, and their pleading 
words are more keen than the steel swords of the enemy.” 

“Daughter, a child to stand before the court of Egypt in 
such defiance, to attempt to betray thy own people, and in time 
of greatest danger thou speaketh of desertion. 

“My people mayst forsake their own liken dogs, they mayst 
forsake their King and daughter, thou mayst betray thy father, 
but hearest my words, in this purpose I am strong and until 
death do I stand to defend my country.” 

“O King, thy daughter but speaks the truth, ’tis folly to 
continue the fight against the Persians, we are weaker and art 
decreed to lose.” 

“Daughter, witness thou thy work.” 

“Father, ’tis this that I darest do; the Egyptians art lost, 
but I repeat unto thee. Why dost thou so stubbornly refuse 


50 


DESRA. 


to surrender — ^behold, the stricken people, how they fall, and 
how weaken their lines become. Defeat is all that is left for 
us. Father, once more I beseech thou, intercede for the re- 
maining lines, come, soundeth thy trumpet of peace.” 

“Be thou quiet, I forbiddeth this surrender, I refuse an au- 
dience to thy words. ’Tis but a cowardly act for the daughter 
of the King to permit. I shalt never sound my surrender, the 
King’s life for his country, now and forever.” 

“God speaketh unto him.” Desra left her father and was 
met with the court, who applauded her. 

“Higher power, protect, guard and deliver Desra, daugh- 
ter to the King, from any and all harm — ’tis the fullness of 
her gift that has grown into goodness among her helpless peo- 
ple.” 

The king approached and interrupted the court in their 
praises. 

“Thou doth not heed, daughter, but defyeth my every 
command, my every word. I, thy father, the King of the 
Egyptians, I canst ne’er control thee, what dost thou take 
me for, that thou makest light of my words — only a frog who 
from his narrow throat still uttereth, in discordant note, 
brekeke, kake, koaxe, koake?” 


CHAPTER XIIL 


THE LIGHT THAT WENT OUT IN THE DARKNESS. 

The enemy advanced upon the Egyptians, and although the 
Egyptians fought bravely, they fell backward from their lines 
steadily until defeat was certain. 

The uproar, the blood and the ghastly figures that sank 
spread horror and dismay through the whole of Alexandrae, 
and from the top of the square tower of a temple, from which 
a spire ascended, the King sat in view of the battle. It was 
known that the King was stationed therein, and the enemy 
broke their lines and entered the tower; however, they were 
met with the defiant King who drew his own sword, crying in 
a loud voice, “A captive of death rather than a captive of Per- 
sia,” and fell upon his own sword. 

The scribes beat the few Persians back from the tower 
and Desra, who stood near, stationed guardsmen round the 
King’s body — then she descended the steps and hastened to 
direct the Egyptians below the tower. 

Desra, now Queen of Egyptians, knew their cause was 
irretrievably lost; she repelled the sentiment of revenge that 
surged her soul against the Persians, and urged her mind to 
a determinate resolution to save the remaining few lives from 
being slaughtered. 


52 


DESRA. 


She felt she was committing the wisest deed to resign to 
win. She appeared at the outer gates, ascended the steps lead- 
ing into a tower and there she sounded the trumpet of surren- 
der. A cordage which held the Egyptian standard was loos- 
ened and the standard floated down slowly until it lay upon 
the bloody earth, covering the dead bodies of the people for 
whom it had victoriously waved. 

Desra watched it slowly waft downward and as it lay upon 
the slain bodies she fondly looked upon it — didst she now re- 
pent her most human act, or did she seek to behold the falcon 
rise again in victory? 

The Persians gave loud shouts when the Egyptian standard 
fell and their officers forced their passage back through the 
people ; their bloodthirsty eyes beheld surrendering Egyptians, 
whom they captured — many hemmed up in corners and cut 
into pieces, many were found seeking shelter within bastions 
and the towers, and all, numbering men, women and chil- 
dren, including mothers, wives and sisters, were captured. 
The Persians sought to invade all the temples, destroying 
everything that came in their path. The one greatest triumph 
for them was the destruction of the sacred image — the 
Sphinx; they chipped large and small pieces, marring its ap- 
pearance, and the sacred banners they tore into strips. In so 
sacrilegiously invading these temples of worship they found 
the bull Apis, and they stabbed him unto death, and in his 
blood dipped their swords; they cut off his head and carried 
it upon the banks of the Nile, and there they strapped the head 
upon a nilometer within view of any one who might come into 
that direction — as an insult to the memory of the dead King. 

They made ready their lines of march back into Persia, 
binding the men and women one to the other in lines — the 


DESRA. 


53 

/ 

daughters of the noblemen with that of the slaves, the royal 
ladies with the women of the common people. 

The officers moved to leave the frightful place, wherein 
the dead lay piled upon one another; they listened to the cries 
of the wounded and suffering, some pleading for their gods’ 
protection, some in piteous agony crying for a loved one, for 
one last farewell. They remained silent to the entreaties and 
walked away from them. They ordered the captives who were 
chained near by to fill the trenches with the corpses, while the 
wounded were left in their position to die alone. 

The body of the King they carried from the tower and 
hurled it into the Nile; they stood upon the banks Watching 
for it to rise again, but to their amazement it did not rise. 
Quite a distance they beheld it rise and fall once, twice and the 
third time, until it fell upon the banks resting against the base 
of the nilometer, whereupon the Persians had strapped the 
head of Apis. 

Great fear took possession of the officers, and believing the 
Egyptian god Ptah had saved the body of the King, they fled 
never gazing behind them. However, they carried the sword 
of the King with them, to deliver it unto the Persian Shah. 

Now the captives began their line of march into Persia. 
Desra and Margaret had been provided each with a camel to 
make the trip across the desert. 

Thus was Alexandrae blotted out from the map of Egypt. 



i$00U sritto 


CHAPTER L 


THE ARABIAN PARABLE. 

The phoenix — ^born of myth — originated in Arabia. At 
the end of six hundred years it built for itself a nest filled with 
myrrh and the choicest spices. This was ignited by the ardent 
rays of the sun and in it the phoenix was consumed in flames 
of fragrance. It was believed, however, that it soon arose 
again, from its own ashes, in renewed youth, strength and 
beauty; and, therefore, it was considered by the Arabians as 
symbolical of ‘‘the resurrection'’ and also of immortality. In 
marching through Arabia the Egyptian lines entered into a 
place wherein a huge temple of Diana had been constructed 
upon a platform surrounded with a balustrade of white mar- 
ble, many feet in height which supported colossal statues. The 
platform, composed of two rows of bricks covered with a thick 
surface of lead from one extremity to the other, bore ten feet 
of earth; upon the earth were raised groves of citron, palm, 
cocoa and cinnamon, forming alleys that the sun's rays could 
not penetrate. 

A solemn banquet was being served. A chorus of women 
striking their tymbals sang in the presence of their chieftains 
and their native tribes. 

A Persian officer, during this time of the festival, was con- 


DESRA. 


57 


demned to be impaled by the Greater Chieftain, for having 
(without lifting his turban cap) stood before the Queen Desra 
of Egypt as she passed by. 

A confusion followed this act, which was silenced only by 
the Greater Chieftain, as he stood before them. 

“Giveth thy ear unto my words, whilst I speak the words 
of the Great Arabian Parable, which the gods have scribed up- 
on the Caabae — the black slab that lays upon yon sacred mount. 

“An indecent action or one contemptuous word can only be 
expiated by deed of the Greater Chieftain, whatsoever he so 
decideth.” 

The angered Persians, upon hearing these words, sullenly 
withdrew from the scene. 

Queen Desra approached the Chieftain. “King Chieftain, 
with the appreciation of an Egyptian, I thank thee for thy 
goodly deed. I am a captured queen of the once famed Alex- 
andrae, and I stand powerless to reward thee.” 

“Fair Queen, thy praises pleaseth me much. Knowest thou 
that within the camps of Arabia a stranger who entereth there- 
in by cause best known unto them and darest confide in their 
honor is treated kindly and after a needful repose is dismissed 
with blessings and even precious gifts. I wouldst not dismiss 
thee, fairest Queen, but I entreat thee to remain here in Ara- 
bia; the Princess of the Arabians wouldst I make thee.” 

“Kind Chieftain, once more do I thank thee; such an honor 
I darst not accept of thee, for I am a captive and must go 
where the Persians do bid.” 

“Well spoken, my Queen, The Greater Chieftain, too, 
stands helpless and within the power of the Shah of Persia.” 

Perplexed by his vain hopes the Chieftain was silent. 

“Ah, my fairest Queen, I mayst present thee with a gift 


58 


DESRA. 


more precious than jewels — one of my beloved horses, upon 
which thou mayst finish thy journey into Persia; also wilt I 
commission a youth to accompany thee and that he mayst com- 
municate with me, whilst thou doth remain within Persia, and 
to advise me whenst the time is ready for me to fetch thee back 
into Arabia as my princess.” 

“O Greater Chieftain, thou shalt be rewarded for thy 
goodly deeds.” 

Two beautiful horses were led forth as the Persians be- 
gan their march again. They were spotless white with black 
fox-skin housings. 

The procession slowly marched without this place, and the 
Chieftain, riding upon a superb tiger, which he had tamed and 
which was as tall as any of the Persian horses, rode beside 
Queen Desra. 

Upon reaching a distance of fifty miles the chieftain turned 
to leave the Queen. He bade the youthful Arabian guide to 
ride beside her in close attendance. 

“I bid thee faretvell, most beautiful Queen. Mayst thou 
rest in sweet content and be hopeful, for thou shalt not be a 
captive many moons. Behold, and accepteth thou, my Queen, 
this, the phoenix which I have fetched. ’Twill guide and di- 
rect thee. If in danger, commission it back into Arabia, and 
I shalt cover the desert quickly and come at once.” 

“Kindest of the Arabians, why this unsought honor and 
kindness. I thank thee with a full heart, mayst all the gods 
be as kind unto thee — farewell, most gracious protector, fare- 
well.” ' . -f| 

The lines marching through the country, Desra couldst 
but admire the picturesque surroundings. They found the path 
to lay over gentle undulating ground with rich verdure. 


DESRA. 


59 


Throughout the journey Desra didst ne’er acquaint herself 
with the stranger, the Arabian guide, who rode beside her, 
however she was many times conscious of his searching as 
well as admiring glances, as he rode beside her. 

The phoenix playfully soared above the Queen’s horse, 
ne’er leaving her more than a few miles at any one time; in 
this Desra felt a consoling guidance. 

Arriving and entering into Persia, the captives were placed 
within a walled garden. Desra and Margaret were assigned 
into a tower nearest the Shah’s palace ; Desra’s mind being in 
a tumultuary state she did not appreciate the thoughtfulness 
of the Shah. 

The Shah at once visited the captured Queen, and sought 
to entertain her with merry jests. She would not be enter- 
tained, answering him, “Shah, it is the light hearts of people 
who change quickly, either in pleasure or in pain, and be it 
true of many of my people it is not true of mine, alas ! I have 
drunk from the tragic goblet and have lived within deeper 
shades, that too late cheery words may comfort me. 

“My freedom is all that thou canst give me — that which I 
shalt have sooner or later.” 

“Fair Queen, fret not, thou shalt know every comfort.” 

“Fie upon thy offerings, Shah !” 

The Shah learned later that, when Desra refused to con- 
sent not to escape, that she had spoken truly, and that she was 
not by nature two-tongued ; also that she was unappalled and 
could reach beyond any difficulty and was willing to brave 
every circumstance. 


o 


CHAPTER 11. 

CADMUS. 

The Arabian youth and guide to Queen Desra across the 
desert was accepted upon the arrival of the captives and began 
to develop into a very mysterious character. He was sustained 
by a temperament as robust as his blood was pure ; his gracious 
and amiable manners, his noble bearing, all so marked, caused 
him to be one general favorite throughout the Persian court. 
His whole attitude was that of some one beyond an ordinary 
individual. He was medium in stature, broad and very strong ; 
his black hair was glossy and curly, his forehead was high, 
his eyes were of a dark hue ; his nose was clearly cut, his mouth 
not feminine but with curved lips and skin as fair as possible ; 
his face was different from that of the Arabian. 

He always wore the dress of the Arab. A cream, loose 
coat, belted with cream cord, and loose-flowing short sleeves; 
he wore leather sandals fastened below his knees, upon his 
wrist was fastened a leather wrist-band and upon his head he 
wore a white turban, which all but covered his head. Beneath 
his coat he Wore a sash of white, with an ivory handled, curved 
bladed knife. 

His manner always suggested a mystery, yet such a mys- 
tery that it defied any probing into the mystery — and in this 


DESRA. 


61 


manner and costume the young king of Greece was disguised as 
^‘Cadmus the Arabian Philosopher/’ He was heir unto the 
throne of Greece. 

In Greece there was a certain body of philosophers who 
secretly assembled and studied the physical science and mental 
culture of the people. They banished the older ideas taught 
by the high priests of Greece, that of the existing gods and 
myths ; however, this aristocratical party had been nearly an- 
nihilated by severe measures of the high priests. 

Notwithstanding this, the philosophers once more gained 
considerable influence and their party became strong. 

When the paucity of number began to change, they in- 
curred a share of odium, as Well as suspicion, with the priests. 

The mythoplasm, they so intelligently expounded, that their 
theory was being credited by all the magic and the astrologers 
of Greece and unto the students whose mentality lay respon- 
sive unto the delving. 

The King of Greece, with his court, came upon this assem- 
bly one night in their secret meeting place and they were peti- 
tioned by the King to serve a sentence within the guard-towers 
for treason against the Grecian government. 

Cadmus, brother to the King, escaped the King’s fury and 
by darkness he made his escape out of the place, traveling 
hence into Arabia. He was well received by the Arabians and 
whilst lingering with them he learned that Persia was planning 
a revolt to overthrow Greece. His loyalty to his own coun- 
try became strong and he became eager to aid his ptople. 

’Twas upon this time, the Egyptian captives were marched 
through Arabia, and he found the opportunity of entering into 
Persia without being suspected. 

The Arabian chieftain, commissioning him as guide to 


62 


DESRA. 


Queen Desra, gave him extremely good prospects of coming 
close to the Shah. He entered into his secret plan with great 
delight. He soon learned that religion guided all circum- 
stances with the Persians — their religion consisted of worship- 
ing the sun, the moon and the stars — recognizing two gods, one 
Ormuzd or the good, the other Ahriman, the evil. 

Cadmus accepted the Persian religion, and he wore the 
Persian khallat, to substantiate his pretended belief. From this 
hour he deliberately and cautiously set in motion the current 
of his thought to develop them into action, and he employed all 
the forces at his command; so fruitful were his efforts that 
Cadmus became the more ambitious each day to the victory 
awaiting him. 


CHAPTER III. 

THE PRAYER OF ZOROASTER. 

At sunrise the following morning the sword of the Egyp- 
tian King was carried into a secluded spot within a garden far 
below the Persian palace, wherein an artificial lake had been 
made, and the Shah hurled the sword into the waters. 

The Shah drank wine from a cup carved liken a skull, the 
cup representing the head of the dead King and the wine the 
blood of the Egyptians. The courtiers stood facing the east, 
and after the Shah drank of the wine he emptied the remaining 
contents into the lake. This was the Persian’s sacrifice to their 
Sun God for their new victory. 

The Shah then moved on into the palace garden to witness 
the sacrifice of an Egyptian. 

An altar had been builded of bricks and upon this altar was 
burning a low fire. The reflection of the fire upon the Shah 
made him a conspicuous figure as he stood before it robed in 
a long tunic designed with squares the centers of which were 
rosettes ; the bottom of it was worked in fringe and beads, his 
head was covered by a closely folded turban and upon his feet 
he wore sandals with elevated heels of red and blue stripes. 

A black horse, bearing the Egyptian, came into the garden, 
between the two white horses upon which rode two eunichs. 


64 


DESRA. 


What the victim had done was never questioned, but ’twas 
learned that upon the arrival of the Egyptian captives into 
Persia, one Persian officer, in loosening the ropes of bondage 
from an Egyptian scribe, had taunted him: ‘Thou art a 
doer of sacred things, a seer of great things, now wilt thou 
find time to know of a plan to free thyself and thy people/’ 
’Twas but spoken, when ’twas reputed a serpent of most vivid 
green appeared upon the shoulder of the seer. The Shah, fear- 
ing the magical powers of the scribe, ordered the Egyptian 
upon the fire altar. 

As the azan, or call for prayer, was heard from a nearby 
mosque, the Shad read the execution rites from a tablet of 
copper. 

“As the words from the Supreme Will, so the effect only 
exists because it proceeds from the truth. The creation of 
what is good in thought or action belongs within the world to 
Mazardre and the kingdom is Ahura’s, who is constituted by 
his own word, the destroyer of the wicked.” 

As the Shah finished this prayer of Zoroaster, he entered 
into a temple of Vulcan, and the eunuchs loosened the iron 
rings which fastened the victim and then bound him upon 
the altar. 

Lady Constance, daughter to the Shah, came upon the 
scene and entered the temple, upon which was inscribed the 
words: “Whosoever thou art, learn from thy fortune to 
reverence the gods,” and entering she heard the voice of the 
Shah. 

“O gods, have I not reverenced thee, that thou mightst 
blind the eye of the evil Nazare, didst I not punish unto death 
the Magi, who didst wrought evil upon thy people ?” 

“Father, I heard but an hour past, the azan from the roof 
of the mosque; tell me, hast thou executed another victim?” 


DESRA. 


65 


“Daughter, yea ’tis true, but what, wouldst thou have them 
go unpunished, they "who bear treason against thine own coun- 
try? Come, let us enter into the palace; upon this eve I have 
a pleasant surprise for thee, my daughter. Array thyself unto 
all the beauties of the Persian daughter; tonight thou art to 
be presented to a new lover, and to a husband.” 

“Father, thou knowest not what thou doth speak; I shall 
be presented to a new lover and to my husband ! I mayst meet 
another lover tonight, but not my husband, be thou ever mind- 
ful of this. Father dear, but tonight thine eyes shalt be pleased 
with the true beauties of the Persian daughter — and thy greater 
pride shalt rest in thy daughter.” 

“Well spoken, Constance, my greater pride is always in 
my charming daughter.” 

Lady Constance, left alone, fell to meditating. True, she 
the pride of the Persian court, always charmed her father, but 
now the Shah seemed to speak with a presumption which 
aroused her mind, and as she mused upon this strange lover and 
the husband, chosen by her father, a great stubborn pride 
swelled her soul. Who hast father fetched for me. I vow 
’twill be some old king, ruler or sedate philosopher, old wrin- 
kled and ugly, but “good and powerful.” I can hear Father’s 
words. I wilt never wed him, I vow this to the future hus- 
band of my bosom. Lover didst I vow — hearken, the very 
walls hath ears to hear and the echoes of my voice can re- 
sound. My lover, whom I have met in my rambling dreams, 
who in fancy hast lured me into the flowery bowers of na- 
ture’s realms. 

Methinks his fervency now falleth upon mine ears, his face, 
the face of a god, so fair, so strong; his eyes of the richest 
color dark, his hair so clustery crowning his noble head. Mine 


66 


DESRA. 


eyes can behold the gladsome light of joy when thy great 
eyes look into mine, fond lover. 

But, the chosen lover of my father, ’tis not this lover, my 
hero, the lover of rt^ dreams. 


CHAPTER IV. 


ECHOES REBOUND. 

Lady Constance, daughter to the Shah, was a powerful and 
an imperious beauty, who abused the power which she found 
she possessed over the Shah in such a manner to make her an 
object of hatred among the ladies of the Persian court. Her 
personalities had such a power to fascinate the sense and hearts 
of the men, that although she interfered with everything, she 
held a strong influence over the affairs of the "whole empire. 

Upon this night she appeared beautiful in a robe of palest 
color blue, and her diamonds and rubies shone with great splen- 
dor from among the folds of her robe. Her light hair hung in 
long braids and her blue eyes shone with conscious beauty. 

The lover chosen by the Shad was an Asiatic king who 
had presented his hand in marriage to Lady Constance and the 
Shah looked upon the marriage with favor; in one sense he 
had given her in promise to this king and already preparations 
for the marriage were being made. 

Lady Constance, upon meeting the old king, for one mo- 
ment stood in amazedness before him. 

“My King, as my father’s guest I bid thee welcome into 
our country, but, as my lover, my husband, I refuse to accept 
thy greetings.” 


68 DESRA. 

Before the astonished king couldst answer, she turned and 
left him. 

‘Tardon, my King,” spoke the Shah, ‘‘thou canst well 
know the fire of blood in this willful child. I beg of thee to 
forbear with her in her moods, once thou doth know her, her 
manner is most loving.” 

“Shah, the beauty of this child is unrivaled, so beautiful is 
she that she mightst be called a daughter to the gods. Her 
hair liken silken threads, her eyes of bluest color, how they en- 
chant me, though I beheld naught but scorn flash from them. 
Fair daughter, I will be patient with thy fanciful moods. I 
wilt win the love of this child of the gods with patient kind- 
ness and then I shalt make her Queen of my people — ^but her 
spirit I shalt tame.” 

“Cadmus, thou art welcome to meet our gracious guest, the 
King of Asia, and my daughter. Lady Constance.” 

Cadmus greeted Lady Constance with unconscious admi- 
ration. Lady Constance, she had heard much of this man's 
greatness, and as she looked upon him, the fair face of a god, 
the dark clustery hair, the wonderful eyes — 'twas the lover of 
her dreams, and she knew why she had but one hour past so 
defiantly refused the hand of the old king. 

“Cadmus, I have heard great praises of thee.” 

“Tis true, Cadmus, daughter and I have heard much of 
thy goodness from the Shah.” 

“Come, daughter, 'tis the hour upon which we must visit 
the Queen Desra ; Wouldst thou go with us to visit the Egypt- 
ian Queen within the tower near by, Cadmus?” 

Cadmus started and a flush o'erspread his face. How many 
times he had longed to go to the young Queen and console her, 
but it had always been an impossibility and now this was the 
first opportunity. 


DESRA. 


69 


“Permit me, gracious Queen,” answered Cadmus. 

“Mother, ’twould be but a weary hour we know, and Cad- 
mus should not be pleased.” 

“Thou dost mistake me. Lady Constance, I beg of thee, 
permit me to go.” 

The Shah came upon the little group. “Daughter, ’tis my 
wish that Cadmus doth visit the Queen Desra, and Cadmus, 
as my herald, speak thou unto her — if any favor I mightst 
grant her, she is but to commission her attendant. The Shah 
of Persia cannot treat unkindly the daughter to so great a 
king as was King Cyril of the Egyptians, neither doth he 
wish to treat unkindly one so charming as the Queen Desra.” 

“Shah, I do thy bidding,” answered Cadmus. The party 
moved out toward the tower ; they walked together and Queen 
Margaret talked incessantly of the movements of her people, 
of their power, worth and ability, whilst Lady Constance 
walked in silence; and for Cadmus had he not been living up- 
on the memory of Queen Desra, he would have recognized the 
marvelous beauty and grace of Lady Constance. She was one 
vision of loveliness, but even the striking contrast of the light 
and beautiful daughter and the dark and handsome Queen 
did not arouse any admiration from him. 

They came upon the tower, and Queen Margaret unlatched 
the door. They found themselves within the tower, Cadmus 
feasting his eyes upon Desra; how changed she was, her face 
so white, her cheeks sunken, but her eyes still wore the same 
defiant look and her face bore the same attitude, which ap- 
peared to become her. 

She looked upon Cadmus with a casual look, then turned 
her eyes away from him. She did not recognize him in his 
Persian khallat. 


70 


DESRA. 


“Queen Desra, Lady Constance and I come to learn thy 
desires — and this is Cadmus, the Arabian guide, he hast been 
made one of the governors of the Shah’s court.” 

“Cadmus, my guide, I am glad to meet thee again, for thou 
didst bear a goodly interest in me, a captive.” 

“Fair Queen, I am highly pleased to be with thee once 
more.” 

“Queen Margaret, hast the Shah made any new assign- 
ments, hast he not changed my term, is it to be, as once he 
spoke ?” 

“Child, the Shah hast made no assignments, new for thee, 
but have patience for the Shah doth make mention of assigning 
a new chamber for thee.” 

“ ’Tis not a change of chamber that which I so desireth; 
how foolish for me to beg, to hope for my freedom, ’tis as 
impossible as darkness turned into light.” 

“My good Queen, thou hast been most kind to me, and 
Lady Constance, too, but the Shah — were he to chain me with- 
in a dungeon, the god Apis wouldst some time deliver me from 
his wrath.” 

“Queen Desra, from whence can such miracles be per- 
formed ?” 

“Cadmus, my guide, they shall come to pass.” 

“Mother let us depart, the Queen Desra is a wicked woman ; 
Queen Desra, thou mayst calm thyself for thy wrath availeth 
naught, thy fate is but the fate that wouldst have been mine 
had thy people been the victors.” 

Alas, the party left the tower, and Cadmus lingering spoke 
quite audibly, “be thou of good cheer, the Phoenix doth soar 
near.” 

Left with Margaret, Queen Desra felt the insult offered by 
Lady Constance. 


DESRA. 


71 


“Oh, for revenge upon the Shah and his people, I shall 
have it Margaret, giveth thy ear. Some day, some time, I 
knoweth not “when or how, but I shall have revenge. The ser- 
pent shall endow me with wisdom. Apis shall endow me with 
strength and Diana shall speak unto me and the Phoenix shall 
guide me to avenge my wrongs. Ah! sweet companion, my 
father, our people, our country are gone, and those who we do 
love are in chains — mercy upon us, Margaret, it doth appear 
that we art doomed.” 

Margaret standing near the iron grating, gazing upon the 
little vine so gracefuly twining itself upon the irons — and upon 
the blossom with its little face turned towards them, blending 
its beauty and fragrance to'wards them. 

“Margaret, dost thou too, behold the blossom, the maidens 
arising from the lotus blossom ; dost thou hear the sweet music 
of the harp, but nay, sweet companion, my mind doth wander. 
’Twas only a vision of days long gone.” 

“Yea, Queen, I behold the blossom, and the graceful vine, 
but it doth smile in Persialand, with sympathy. Dear Desra, 
didst thou read the look of sympathy in the eyes of Cadmus 
and the look of jealous rage in the eyes of Lady Constance? 
I beg of thee, Desra, do not offend Lady Constance, the Shah 
is ruled by her whims and she doth hold thy fate within her 
power; I do fear her.” 

“Companion, this Cadmus is naught to me — he is in 
sympathy with the Persians; come, let us banish the thought 
of the fair Lady Constance and of the whole Persian empire.” 


CHAPTER V. 


THE SECRET FRIEND AND FOE. 

The Shah came to believe that Queen Desra was a treacher- 
ous enemy to the Persians and the wisest thing he could do 
would be to persuade her to become one of them. 

Cadmus, though only in his twenty-fifth year, had acquired 
all the flexibility and self-possession of a trustworthy courtier 
as well as being so clear headed and profoundly versed in de- 
tails of financial governing and had proven himself worthy of 
every trust assigned him. The Shah thought to endow him 
with the robe of a molla of religion, to win Queen Desra. 

Queen Desra, who had pined in her confinement so long 
that she gradually became fortified with the austere virtue of 
courage and patience, her great love for independence had de- 
veloped the habits of self-command. 

Upon the appointed hour Cadmus with several mollas en- 
tered Desra’s tower and were admitted. 

The Queen received them respectfully, while Margaret 
turned and walked away. The mollas were loath to regard 
the Queen with disdain, and Cadmus greeted her with a great 
tenderness. 

^‘What is thy mission, mollas 

‘‘By orders of the Shah, to enlighten thee concerning the 


DESRA. 


73 


Persian religion. It is not requisite to designate that this re- 
ligion holds its own proven truths.” 

“Pray proceed,” answered the Queen with the courtesy of 
an Egyptian. 

“These leaves thou shouldst accept, and five times each day 
shalt thou pray^ — upon dawn, noon and middle afternoon, sun- 
set and evenings. When thou doth hear the calls for prayer 
from the mosque, pray unto the six councillors of Ahuramazda, 
the Amshashpands or Immortal Saints. ’Tis well Queen to 
know these Immortal Saints to be Bahman, Ardibehesht, 
Shahravar, Isfaud, Khordad and Ameretat who shall guide 
thee. 

“We wouldst warn thee, when untrained passions fill thy 
mind and soul, and against these "would we warn thee for 
Akamano, Ander, Caurva, Naonhaitya, Taric and Zaric, all 
powerful with evil intent, will ever be watchful round thee. 

“Thou wilt know we worship Light, the emblem of truth, 
for when thy spirit departs, if thou hast lived righteously, it 
will seek the Bridge which gathers all souls — the Bridge, the 
Chinvate — Peretue — there the Archeangel, Vohumano shall 
receive thee. If thou hast been wicked, thy spirit shall be con- 
demned into the kingdom of Angromainyuse, below the 
Bridge, where thou shalt be fed upon poisoned banquets. Thou 
wilt come with us now into the temple of Asshur to pray.” 

They entered into this mirror walled temple lighted with 
candles, and kneeled before the god Asshur. 

““Daughter of Persia, arise, the gods have upon this hour 
received thee — thou mayst return into thy tower.” 

Cadmus walked with the Queen back through the gardens. 
“Queen, I find this study in Persian mythology holds nothing 
interesting for thee, but the religion is truly beautiful. Every- 


74 


DESRA. 


thing that is good and beautiful is attributed to Armuzd and 
everything,” 

“Cadmus, quit thy teaching and answer me, art thou a 
believer in the god Armuzd?” 

Cadmus started in a guilty confusion, but remained silent. 

“Doth thou believe that this so called Armuzd holds reign 
o’er this universe, the beautiful workings of Nature — then I 
ask thee, who doth hold reign o’er the Persian Shah ?” 

“Yea, I feareth not, Cadmus, for I have been indued with 
great courage of spirit, great endurance. I have planned a 
bold advance and I shalt not seek guidance of any Persian; 
as impossible as it now appears, I shall go down and out of 
this empire to avenge my people.” 

“Queen, I doubt not that thou 'will succeed, for thou art so 
courageous. My beautiful Queen, dost thou not understand 
and know that I love thee, I am in sympathy with thy move- 
ments. I have loved thee since first I met thee within the 
Arabian desert, and every day since I have loved thee more 
and more, until now I know thou art for me. My admiration 
for thee hast been beyond words, my love for thee is beyond 
measure. Every insult these Persians have offered thee is an 
insult upon me — for I am not a Persian, as thou doth believe, 
but a Grecian by birth, heir to the Grecian throne. I came in 
disguise into Persia, ’twas thy dear self who came to aid me 
to enter into Persia. Persia is now planning an invasion of 
Greece and I am here to learn their plans.” 

The Queen stood in amazement, scarcely believing what 
she had just heard and from her lips broke the words, “my 
escape.” 

“Cadmus, all these terrible days and nights I feared to give 
hope to my plans of escape, and now my greatest dreams have 


DESRA. 75 

( 

had their waking and truly, as I do hold thy secret thou dost 
hold mine. Much is to be done, but, dost thou not hesitate to 
fetch punishment upon the Lady Constance? I well know 
the equality of condition between Lady Constance and myself 
is just cause for the very languid pity which my misery hast 
given her.” 

“Queen, let us not speak of her, we are below the tower 
now.” 

“Come, wilt thou not enter and rest with Margaret and I ?” 

Together they entered, Margaret was not there. “O Mar- 
garet, where art thou — ^thou art only jesting with me ; ’tis well 
thou art filled with thy childish plays, but come now, join us. 
I am becoming disturbed, she has never been away like this, 
something is wrong, something has befallen her. The leaf. 
Margaret hast scribed it to me : 

“ ‘Dear Queen companion, the Shah biddeth me dwell with- 
in the palace courts — this I do not understand, but I vow ’tis 
a trickery. Have not a fear, for I shall be able to care for 
myself, be thou of thy same courage and I wilt hold the same. 
Farewell, ’twill not be long dearest companion. 

Signed Margaret.’ 

“Margaret, Margaret, my sweet companion, aye ’tis a trick- 
ery and unto a base end hast thou been called by the wicked 
Shah. 

“Cadmus doth thou believe,” 

“Hark, some one cometh ! Enter, the door is unlatched.” 

To the amazement of all, the Shah, the Queen and the Lady 
Constance stood within the chamber without a word. Lady 
Constance whose high spirit had broken through all restraint 
of virtue and decorum was the first to speak. 

“Cadmus, the Shah found this manuscript upon the floor; 
and we find it is a copy of the Grecian law, also notes of the 


76 


DESRA. 


Science of Nature, scribed in the Grecian language, with thy 
name scribed upon it. Speak Cadmus, art thou that what we 
suspected, art thou Cadmus the Arabian, or art thou Cadmus 
the Grecian.” 

'‘I am Cadmus, the Grecian,” answered Cadmus. 

An awed silence fell upon them, broken by the Shah. 

“Thou hast surpassed all the villains of thy country, to 
entereth into Persia wearing this mantel of deceit, accepting the 
hospitalities and deceiving the greatest power of the universe.” 

“ ’Tis true I have played thee false, however ’twas but yes- 
terday's dawn thou spoke unto me in tones of praise and these 
words : ‘Cadmus, thou hast been an obsequious courtier, being 
goodly in temper, having honor in principle’ — so, ’tis well paid 
Shah, thy gracious shelter, and thou hast surpassed all the 
rulers of this, the Persian empire with thy brutality, thy bicker- 
ings wilt end in bloodshed. I am not a recreant, but a Grecian 
bourne, I am a philhellenist, the Lady Constance spoke truly, 
for I am Cadmus, heir unto the Grecian throne. I have no 
impatience whatsoever to atone for my deception, for the crime 
of betraying my master. I have labored to unite great knowl- 
edge for my country.” 

“Cadmus, I didst assign thee one of the most important 
posts of duty in my empire. Thou are discovered, thy decep- 
tion exposed, and now thou art to be thrown into prison ; com- 
ing from a shadowy past, thou now ’wilt enter into a more 
shadowy future, for thou hast dared to deceive the Shah.” 

Desra’s spirits were within the fire of madness. “Cadmus, 
rememberest thou, but as thy prospects well begun before this 
Shah have been suddenly o’ercast, thy purpose wilt not be o’er- 
thrown, no great adversities or violence will darken thy path 
many days; reward attributed unto thy faithfulness and cour- 
age wilt be thine.” 


DESRA. 


77 


The guards interrupted the Queen, and before she finished, 
Cadmus was taken from the tower and thrown into irons. 

The party left leaving the Shah with Queen Desra. 

Disdainfully Desra looked upon him : “Hast thou more in- 
sults to suffer upon me 

“Nay, Queen mistake me not, I could ne’er offer insults to 
one so fair as thou art, I came but to make peace with thee.” 

“Peace indeed! where is Margaret, my companion, where 
is she, I desire to know? If thou hast base intentions upon 
her, have a care, if any ill befall this maid, ’tis I, the Queen 
who will avenge. Hide her if thou chooseth, but she shalt 
leave thee; be thou kind to her, and she shalt scorn thee with 
pride. Cherish her love and she wilt despise thee. Chooseth 
thy own course, for this maid stands protected with a power 
so great, thou art as naught to baffle with it.” 

“Queen, thy furies art all madness, still they well become 
thee and make thy charms resistless; and Margaret, the fair 
maid wilt not return, I spoke with her but the hour past and 
she is content.” 

“Shah, thou best, Margaret has ne’er spoken so, and as for 
myself, I cravest not thy friendship, I cravest not for thy 
rubies and pearls, nor all the jewels of thy crown. ’Twas 
yestern from the gardens below, thy words echoed upon mine 
ears, whenst thou didst laugh and make merry with thy nobles, 
singing — ‘Woman, woman to games we Well compare, we 
canst play — Around here, another there, when used in contempt 
we throw away !’ 

“Shah, wretch that thou art, the day shalt dawn whenst 
great vindicatory punishment shalt be thine; thou doth wear 
thy laurels won in Egypt, they are not withered yet, but thou 
doth wear them proudly too soon.” 


CHAPTER VI. 


THE HERITAGE OF UNREST. 

The circular palace of the Shah had no more attractive 
chamber than the Anderoon, with its blue and white tiled walls, 
shadowed with the red effulgence from the magnificent ruby 
which lay in the basin of the fount. Even the water of this 
fountain was radiated with its brilliant hue, causing it to re- 
semble the wine of Burgundy. Several hundred concubines, 
who, by choice of the Shah, were brunettes, were kept in this 
Anderoon. They were called the Ushaklar, meaning their 
hair was long, there wit was short. They formed a charming 
picture with their long loose hair bangled, and wearing their 
blue and white costumes ornamented with bangles of gold and 
silver. 

Lunch was being served in the Anderoon; the Shah “was 
reclining upon a bench and before him were women dancing, 
some singing, some were beating timbrels; nearby the foun- 
tain, reclinging upon a bench were several concubines, smok- 
ing and inhaling burned charcoal and tobacco through tubes 
which were attached to a large bowl of brass studded with 
turquoise, which held the charcoal and tobacco. 

One maid serving the Shah surpassed them all in beauty 
and intelligence. Suddenly she tossed the gold goblet over 


DESRA. 


79 


her head and fell upon the floor upon her face, in wild frenzy, 
moaning and writhing in misery. The women cried, ‘‘She is 
mad,’' and the Shah stood beside her prostrate form and be- 
lieved that her brain was poisoned and a madness had fallen 
upon her. He, too, cried in agitated tones; “O Taric and 
Zaric, thou gods of darkness, thy will be done,” — “In Sha- 
allah !” 

Guardsmen were called and the maid was placed in the 
mad tower in the furthest garden. 

Margaret, for 'twas she had learned the only escape from 
the Anderoon being known was madness, and she feigned 
this madness to escape the Shah. 

Fleur de lis was upon that time disturbed, because he 
had not heard from Margaret. He walked within the garden 
with a restless movement this bright morning. The flowers 
in gentle motion greeted him, the atmosphere was laden with 
rich perfume and soft faint tones from the harp pealed forth, 
and a gracious welcome suddenly came to him, for the heavens 
were smiling upon him, the birds were singing joyously. The 
wilds were calling him from the musty shut-in tower and his 
blood was in fire when he looked upon the strong iron fencw 
that barred him indoors. 

He paced the tower to shut out these mocking glories and 
for a time he stood beside the barred window. Heavy sounds 
fell upon him from the fields near by, he looked into the dis- 
tance and there were hundreds of men building a water-way 
of a great length. 

'Twas the preparation for the coming invasion of Greece. 
This water-way was one defense. Should the Grecians march 
upon the retreating lines of the Persians, a huge dam had been 
made and would be exploded by the Persians, causing the 
Grecians to be drowned in this deep water-way. 


80 


DESRA. 


Fleur de lis stood in quiet surprise witnessing this treach- 
erous piece of work, and in pity he lifted his eyes on beyond this 
field, as if to shut out this view, when his eyes beheld a moun- 
tain, many miles away and what appeared to be several thou- 
sand feet in the air. The light reflected upon this snow- 
topped mountain and gave it the appearance of brilliant crys- 
tal. This was the famed Ararat with the mysterious pillar 
and star planted upon it; it stood in stately magnificence and 
was reverenced by all the Persians and visited by the moled 
to learn the prophecy of the stars. 

Fleur de lis turned his gaze back into center Persia and 
upon the street-ways round the tower. He soon fell to watch- 
ing a strolling story-teller with his long disheveled hair, close- 
fitting skull-cap; embroidered upon it were verses from the 
Koran. His cloak was of skins of beasts with the feet hang- 
ing down ; he carried a collection box made of a nutshell and 
he also carried an iron stick as he squatted upon the street- 
way crying, “Ya hak, ya hawk (truth, O truth). 

From the throng of busy passersby, a woman, a slave, 
came upon this dervish ; he seemed not to understand her, but 
when she dropped a ring into his box, he quickly walked and 
stood beneath the window of the tower and cried to Fleur 
de lis, ‘‘Lady Margaret, well mayst ^goodly peace attend 
thee;'’ and with these words he passed on among the people, 
crying, “Ya hak, ya hawk!" 

“Hist, dervish, who doth speak so?" 

The dervish had disappeared upon the street below. 

Now, more than ever, this heritage of unrest was ravag- 
ing his whole being; it was pernicious unto the wise content 
that he was striving to command. 

“Margaret, my beloved, thy words art as from out of the 


DESRA. 


81 


darkness, as the light from the sunbeams peeping through 
the passing clouds in the heavens. 

‘‘I have roamed through this musty tower seeking to quiet 
my longings, to depart from this heritage of unrest. Alack, 
I findeth not that which I seek, the open gateway leading on, 
on into the court of my love's abode." 


CHAPTER VIL 


BY THE LIGHT DAY AND THE DARK NIGHT. 

The depressed spirit of Queen Desra was well disguised 
and the dolorous sighs were unheard by Lady Constance when 
she entered the Queen's tower. The day was done, twilight 
was deepening round the tower and Queen Desra sat alone. 

‘‘Lady Constance, I bid thee welcome, what hast brought 
thee here ? I vow that it is neither a goodly deed nor a kindly 
errand." 

“Thou doth mistake me, Queen Desra, I come in thy 
interest." 

“Pardon if so be thy errand, pray go on." 

“Queen Desra, thy sentence hast been read by the Empire 
and no one is able to change this law ; however I have thought 
hard many times to aid thee, and at last I have come to deliver 
thee into strange lands, to make thee free." 

“Lady Constance, quit thy taunts. Hidden deep, I con- 
ceive some wicked plan thou hast devised. I well know thy 
plan and my escape, alike, are in vain." 

“Queen, thou art most ungrateful, I have come to release 
thee. Go thou upon this night; the guardsmen at the outer 
gates will not open the gates unless thou speakest the password 


DESRA. 


83 


and I have scribed them upon this leaf. I fetched a robe of 
disguise , one of the Arabian youth, that thou mayst journey 
unknown.'’ 

Desra accepted the Arabian dress which consisted of a 
tunic with a burnoise with the customary haik worn over the 
tunic, all being creamy white. The sandals were of leather 
and the turban was whiten. She dyed her nails an orange 
hue, using henna. 

The Queen's appearance was quite beyond any trace of 
recognition, and the dignity of the Egyptian was lost. 

The Queen was silent all the time and when she had com- 
pleted her disguise. Lady Constance was the first to speak. 

‘'Queen Desra, thou art free and the gods bear me witness, 
that I do not play thee false, with the solemn oath of the Per- 
sian court I make thee free — ‘by the light day and the dark 
night.' Thou art not to attempt to herald, neither to see 
Cadmus. Should thou attempt this, I shall commission officers 
to return thee into Persia, once more as a captive. Go thou, 
enter into strange lands, ne'er returning into Persia, lest thou 
shalt suffer the penalty." 

Desra heard and understood the motives of Lady Con- 
stance. She responded with a respect, for she was too astute 
to put herself into antagonism unto Lady Constance. 

“Thy kindness is appreciated. I thank thee. Lady Con- 
stance." 

Lady Constance turned and left the tower and disappeared 
within the gardens below. 

Desra walked straightway through the gardens; nearing 
the gates, she holding her lighted lantern, read the leaf, and 
when the guardsmen refused to open the gates, she answered 
“ismi-shab/^ and the brass gates were opened and she stood 
without the Empire's walled gardens. 


84 


DESRA. 


She walked on blindly for a short distance, then faltered — 
to secure the plans from Cadmus and deliver them into the 
hands of the Grecians, now came before her, ‘‘her purpose/’ 

She retraced her steps and again entered the gardens, 
walking hurriedly until she reached the tower, wherein Cadmus 
was locked. Here she was aflfronted by another guardsman. 
‘‘What wouldst thou here by the tower in the darkness of the 
night?” 

“I come in the name of the Lady Constance, daughter to 
the Shah, to fetch a herald unto Cadmus, who doth lie in 
irons.” 

“Enter thou, my boy.” Upon entering into the tower, an- 
other guardsman met Desra, who led her up a circular stair- 
way and which led to the cell of Cadmus. He opened the door 
admitting her. Cadmus, wearing a loose brown coat, was re- 
clining upon a wooden bench. Sullenly he lifted his eyes. 

“Well, boy, what is it? What herald doth fetch? Thou 
doth come from the Shah, nay, then from the Lady Con- 
stance.” 

A strange light came into Cadmus’s eyes as he looked into 
the eyes of this boy. 

“Speak, boy, who art thou, where have I known thee 
before; thou art but a herald from the Shah, but, upon my 
faith, thou doth resemble, a wonderful resemblance,” 

“Cadmus, thou doth not know me, ’tis Desra. Lady Con- 
stance hast delivered me into free lands. The disguise she 
fetched me that my escape would be possible. I couldst ne’er 
leave Persia without seeing thee again, and I made bold to 
enter the tower.” 

“My beloved Queen, is it true, thou art leaving Persia?” 

“Yea, ’tis true; Cadmus, the plans which thou hold for 


DESRA. 


85 


the invasion, give them into my keeping, I will deliver them 
into Greece.” 

“The plans.” Cadmus was intoxicated by the unexpressa- 
ble charms of Desra, and her manner. For one instant he 
was silent. He flung back his clustry hair from his classic 
brow, he placed his hand over his eyes as if to command a 
decision between obedience unto his Queen, or obedience unto 
his country — ^but no, she would not play him false. 

“Beloved Queen, I have made two copies of these plans 
since I stole them from the Shah, take thou both copies and 
wear one in thy sandal, the other, take it, also, and as thou doth 
pass without the gates, there is one post supporting the portico 
which hast a deep hole lined with tile, which is secretly covered 
with one square brick; this cavity is used by the mollas to 
secrete their clay images, and is visited by them only one time, 
that is during the festival upon the thirteenth Shabon — within 
this cavity place the second copy of the plans. But stay, my 
Queen, my heart dost sufficiently trust thee, but the way is 
long and the journey will be hard, permit me to wear thy 
disguise and travel hence into Greece.” 

“Ah! Cadmus, stupid thou must be; thinkst thou I shalt 
travel all this journey into Greece — the phoenix I didst set 
to soaring into Arabia to bid the Arabian Chieftain to set out 
to meet me.” 

“Most charming Queen, thy judgment is greater than all 
men.” 

“Cadmus, I knoweth not how I shalt leave Arabia and the 
Greater Chieftain; in faith I shalt go, if I must travel with 
him, my purpose hidden deep within me.” 

“Desra, beautiful Queen, I can ne’er permit thee to set 
upon such a journey — come, stay in Persia, and permit me to 
go. Thinking of my Queen traveling with this Greater Chief- 


86 


DESRA. 


tain, knowing the hardships will be many and knowing I shalt 
be alone in irons, whilst thou art free and art in need of me/’ 

‘‘Cadmus, thou art positively ill with distraction and fool- 
ish anxieties. Remembrest thou how carefully I have pursued 
my own ends, and knoweth thou, my far reaching schemes 
for undermining the Shah wilt not now be long in arriving at 
maturity. Be patient and resigneth thyself unto the hope and 
faith that I shalt win ; unfettereth thy mind of these anxieties, 
have no fears for me and at all times remembereth, when the 
Queen Desra doth will, she doth win.” 

“Thou wouldst dare where all the world wouldst weaken, 
in purpose, thou most charming Queen, most brave and good; 
thou shalt love no other, Desra, sweareth before thy gods ?” 

“In truth I do sweareth before my noble King, and before 
my gods that I shalt love no other than Cadmus, my King! I 
must bid thee farewell, my King, lest I tarry too long ; with the 
gods I resigneth thee, and thy content and goodly peace.’ 

Cadmus opened his arms to embrace Desra, but she glided 
out of the chamber as quickly as she hast entered. 

Cadmus paced his cell muttering, “O Persia, thy dynasty 
is but ill governed, in that, in its weakness it succumbed to a 
foreign power, for upon thy Shah, I have wielded my decep- 
tive powers; I have traitorously endeavored to devote thy 
defeat in this invasion, my efforts are all but developed into 
success — with the greatest victory. 

“I am pleased with thy victories over the Egyptians for 
thou hast given me the greatest gift ever given man — the gift 
of the love of the beautiful Queen of Egypt. 

“O Egypt, I have appointed thy powers to unite with me 
in this defeat; thy day is but gone, and from thy past canst 
only arise glories of thy once known powers — of thy future, 
thou canst hope. 


DESRA. 


87 


“O Greece, my country-land, I have walked straightway 
out of the furies of an excited mob into the pathway of duty. 
I have labored hard, exercised my mind unto its greatest 
capacity, and at last, the unsought of self honor I do reach; 
thus far, I have sought and I have been given, for our victory 
lieth within the hand of the Egyptian Queen. 

“My beloved, my Queen, I am pleased with thee. Thy 
words art still ringing everywhere — ‘be brave and endureth 
that thou mayst gain.’ 

“Yea, Queen of my heart, thou hast taught me the lesson — 
‘to resign faith, hope and endurance unto thy purpose’ — then 
await the victory which wilt follow !” 


CHAPTER VIIL 


THE VENGEANCE OF THE DEAD. 

Queen Desra left the tower, walking without the gardens. 
Darkness was covering every place and she sought shelter 
a short distance from the gate to await the coming dawn. 

The day dawned and with it new hopes for the Queen; 
she began the journey — many miles of squalid and noisome 
roads, she traveled, all of the first day, until as the sun was 
setting, she stopped for rest near by a dwelling tent, conceal- 
ing herself there. In this secluded place faint sounds from a 
harp reached her ears and in its plaintive tones of sweet mel- 
ody, Morpheus hovering near, whispered unto the heavens: 
‘‘O guard her, kindly stars, inspire her, gentle breezes; O 
moon so bright, so far, light her couch of rest to pleaseth 
the gods in their heavenly abode. A companion make for 
this maid, so alone." 

In the peaceful surroundings Desra was soon asleep. Ere 
the morning didst dawn she was awakened suddenly. She 
opened her eyes upon the strange country Wrapped in verdant 
dress; nature was wearing her best attire, decked herself in 
morning glories, in robes of oriental splendor. The light of 
the sun reflected upon the clear skies and the skies illuminated 
the fields and forests with a golden hue. 


DESRA. 


89 


The vast fields, so silent in their dress of morning's light, 
the forests so grand in their towering graces and the birds 
so free with their songs of illustrious note — all greeted Desra 
and imbued her with newer inspirations. All nature evoked 
the words unto her ‘'thrice armed is she whose whole cause is 
just." 

Soaring in the distance, coming nearer and nearer, the 
phoenix approached the Queen. “O faithful phoenix, thy 
herald, what hast thou from the Greater Chieftain?" 

Whereupon the phoenix replied: “Thou art to await 
here, for the Greater Chieftain hast already set upon the way 
to attend thee, O gracious Queen." 

The Queen waited the morning through and at mid-day, 
a train of horses came bearing the Greater Chieftain, attended 
by several Arabian slaves. “Welcome to thee, O noble Chief- 
tain, thou art indeed welcome." 

“Greetings, my fair Queen, thou must know I followed 
closely the phoenix in answer to thy herald. I fetched one 
handsome horse with skin housings for thy own pleasure, my 
Queen. The day is fair and the journey will be filled with 
many glories. Come, let us ride back into the desert, 'twill 
be well for us not to linger near the Persian borders." 

“Greater Chieftain, I feareth no ill from the Shah." 

“Thou art young, my Queen, and thy experiences art few. 
I have had many experiences, hard and long ; these have caused 
me to act with discretion, and a cautious journey will be well 
made." 

“Then, O Greater Chieftain, thy wisdom shalt guide us." 

The Queen mounted upon the handsome animal, the Shah's 
favorite horse, rode beside the Chieftain and was followed by 
the attendants. Many days found them upon the journey; 


90 


DESRA. 


during this journey all had been one round of pleasure for 
Desra — the splendid manner in which the Chieftain had en- 
tertained her was unrivaled and the glories of it all were un- 
surpassed. 

The Queen’s charms had been so wielded round the Chief- 
tain that her slightest wish was his desire. Upon one day 
as they were nearing the center of Arabia, the Queen asked 
of her companion that they might travel hence into Grecian 
borders and the Chieftain readily consented by directing their 
journey towards Greece. 

The Queen was almost ready to expire with joy and amaz- 
edness. Not many days traveling brought them into the bor- 
der line of Greece and into a place called Sidon. The place 
was most interesting with its narrow streets and its scatter- 
ing buildings; the walls that surrounded it were opened by 
two gates, nearby where stood a large castle that protected 
the port on the north. This palace was the Sea Castle, called 
the Kalatal Bahr, wherein the Prince and Princess of Sidon 
dwelled. 

The Greater Chieftain and the Queen were well received 
by this Prince and Princess, who at once began preparations 
for their amusement. 

A festival was given within this castle garden; the roof 
of the garden, being intersected with one hundred thousand 
flambeaux inclosed in rich crystal cylinders, illuminated the 
garden. 

Hundreds of youths and maidens played upon stringed 
instruments and many sang Grecian verses. 

The Queen withdrew from the brilliant scene and sought 
the Prince of Sidon. 

‘Trince of Sidon, I am at my leisure but one short moment, 
for the Greater Chieftain doth bear me great mistrust.” 


DESRA. 


91 


The Prince was covered in a deep confusion as he heard 
her speaking, but he remained quiet. 

‘Trince, I come in disguise, for I am not of the Arabians, 
neither am I wife to the Greater Chieftain. Do not turn away, 
Prince, but bear with me, until I have delivered the herald.’’ 

So speaking, she drew the leaf from her sandal. 

''This leaf contains the plans of the Persian invasion of 
Greece : the Persians are in preparation to march into Greece. 
These plans were stolen from the Shah by Cadmus, heir to 
the Grecian throne. Cadmus was found to be deceiving the 
Shah and he now doth lie in irons in the Persian Tower. He 
gave me the plans to deliver into the hands of his countrymen. 
Ah! Prince, doubt not that which I have revealed, and ask 
not how I have traveled so far, from Persia into Sidon, but 
it is enough that I have delivered safely the plans — the trust 
of thy young King.” 

"Fair maid of Greece, these wonders do but thrill my 
soul with greater admiration for thee — thou hast traveled so 
far, in disguise, to save thy country?” 

"Prince, be thou cautious, I have fetched this leaf to de- 
liver my countrymen from the Persians — hold, here comes the 
Greater Chieftain — not one word of this interview, but, act. 
Prince, act in the name of thy King Cadmus.” 

Cautiously he answered — "Well done, fair maid, action 
will be taken at once.” 

The Greater Chieftain came upon them. Impatiently the 
Queen greeted him. "The Prince doth honor me with his 
kind hospitalities. He was, but now, relating the history of 
this famed castle.” 

The Prince turned abruptly and left them, and the Queen 
returned with the Chieftain into the spacious garden, which 
was one blaze of glories. 


92 


DESRA. 


The conspiracy that the Grecian King and the Egyptian 
Queen so boldly planned and had carefully conducted with 
such secrecy had been successful. 

‘‘Cadmus, thy trust hast been well given; my King, I 
have won, have dared and won; couldst I but herald thee, 
couldst thou know. 

“Gods, thy promise unto me hath ne’er vacillated; now 
praise a'waiteth thee for the fulfillment of this thy promise — 
the vengeance of my dead!” 


CHAPTER IX. 


KHABARDAR. 

The scarlet bloom of the pomegranite field cast a glow of 
bright beauty shining through the fig trees, upon the lake by 
the large colossal lion, and the breath of these blossoms told 
of Summer’s reign. The vividly painted red and white ap- 
pendages standing before the lake bore the lighted letters 
Khabardar, and as the Shah and his party halted nearby, 
an attendant bearing a marble slab,, containing three golden 
cups filled with water of this lake, presented the cups to the 
Shah. The entire party drank from these cups in silence and 
in obedience to their gods — “for he who doth drink of the 
sacred waters of the lake pleaseth the gods in their desires.” 

A moment only did the Shah linger there, the wonderful 
white horses drawing their carriage moved on into the gardens 
of the palace. Every man, woman or child, when the royal 
carriage neared them, dropped upon bended knee, and every 
working man did likewise. Attendants spread carpets upon 
the gardens for them to drive upon, all speaking, “Khabardar 
in the name of the Shah.” 

Upon entering into the inner court, a number of singing 
maidens with lyres and with long white veils consuming their 
whole appearance, came wdthout and escorted the party into the 
palace. 


94 


DESRA. 


Lady Constance refused to enter into the palace, but turned 
and left the Shah, without a word. 

‘'Whither goest thou, daughter 

“To seek Cadmus within the prison tower.” 

“Daughter, fie! shame for thy boldness; doth thou forget 
that in one fortnight and thy marriage is at hand — this would 
be an insult heaped upon thy chosen husband.” 

“Father, I shall seek Cadmus within the hour, and as for 
my marriage with that old King, it shall ne'er be. Hearest 
thou my words, father, it shall ne'er take place; I well know 
that he doth not seek my love in this marriage, 'tis but a 
treaty made between thee and this King, and for love of power 
alone. Fie, 'tis shame for thee to sell the hand of thy daugh- 
ter — the recompense even for my empire would be an outrage, 
and the sacrifice I refuse to make. 'Tis well thou dost not 
attempt to force this abominable King upon my goodly 
graces — why doth he not seek for himself a wife from among 
his own country-women ?” 

The Shah glared upon Lady Constance, she alighted from 
the carriage and walked directly towards the prison tower. 

“Curse her spirit, curse that proud spirit that lives within 
her, but my word hast been given in promise for this marriage ; 
the treaty, she hath learned of it, ah, well ! I have scribed my 
signature and with it the promise of the hand of my daughter, 
the Persian Beauty. 

“The marriage, it shall take place and shall be celebrated 
with great glories; it shall be the greatest, the most notable 
marriage ever celebrated in the royal palace. The fifty thou- 
sand talents which I have hoarded these years will be spent 
upon this feast and for wines. 

“Ah! wife, 'twill be one proud day for Persia when this 
King takes her daughter in marriage !” 


DESRA. 


95 


The Queen sat in silence, in pity she thought of her daugh- 
ter being given in this marriage. In anger she listened to the 
spent wrath of the Shah. 

Lady Constance gained entrance to the tower. Cadmus 
arose from his reclining position greeting her, ‘‘Khabardar, 
Lady Constance, thou dost know ’tis only an offense to thy 
empire for thee to enter here.’’ 

''Cadmus, friend, 'Khabardar,’ I call thee friend whilst 
others deny thee. Thou hast been condemned as one un- 
worthy of the Shah’s confidence, I, alone, condemn thee not. 
Thou hast betrayed the Persian empire with attempted trea- 
son, for which crime thou art despised by all Persians, I alone 
stand before thee and welcome thee as friend, I come to com- 
fort thee.” 

Cadmus wore a visibly disappointed look, for he believed 
she had come with news of Queen Desra. 

"Thou doth not wish to be disturbed, Cadmus ?” 

"Yea, Lady Constance, thy visit upon this Friday doth 
bring unto me a goodly cheer; is it well thou shouldst enter 
here — I am a traitor to thy father and to thy country.” 

"Well and nobly spoken, Cadmus. I am thy friend and 
have come to thee in thy wretchedness. Thy cause was a noble 
cause, that of defending thine own countrymen, and thy fail- 
ure must lay heavy upon thee. But ’tis of the Egyptian Queen 
I wouldst speak — she has escaped from the tower and at 
yestern’s end her body was found near the narrow entrance 
of Maragha, where thou knowest no one can enter and live in 
its poisonous gases.” 

"What speakest thou. Queen Desra dead? Lady Con- 
stance, be cautious of what thou doth speak. Desra dead — 
how came she near this poisonous cave?” 


96 


DESRA. 


'‘There is a mystery in her death — some declare she has 
been murdered by a jealous lover, others believe she having 
been unfamiliar with her surroundings sought rest in this 
cave and the poisonous gases overcame her/’ 

"Knowest this to be true, Lady Constance? Gods in 
Heavens, to know that my Queen is gone; but there may be 
a mistake, who doth know that we may place credulence in 
the herald, ’tis easy to mistake.” 

'”Tis no mistake, Cadmus, her body has been found and 
recognized.” 

"Lady Constance, I thank thee for thy kindly interest. 
I wouldst beg upon bended knee that thou wouldst lead me to 
the place, that I may look once more upon the face of Queen 
Desra — but, stay, I wouldst not offend thee, an hour past and 
thou didst call me friend, now I pray thee, wouldst thou deny 
me this?” 

"Cadmus, my friend, not my will, but the will of the Shah 
be done — he wouldst deny this and I stand helpless to aid 
thee. I am likewise grieved upon the tragic death of the young 
Queen.” 

"I thank thee. Lady Constance.” 

Cadmus sat with bowed head. When he lifted his eyes 
again Lady Constance had gone. 

Lady Constance, wearing a white tunic encrusted with 
sparkling gems, could not mantle her black heart, as she had 
entered into this tower, planning to deceive the unhappy 
Cadmus, and for one moment when she had finished, she hesi- 
tated, then quickly turned and left Cadmus alone. 

The ferment of Cadmus’s mind gradually subsided and 
he came to the belief that Lady Constance, with her polish 
and her luminous elegance, had spoken falsely, and sought 


DESRA. 


97 


to deceive him. It could ne’er be true — Desra could ne’er 
fail, her gods had promised that she would not fail. 

Lo ! before the barred opening in the tower there appeared 
the phoenix — “O faithful bird, what hath thee for the un- 
happy King?” 

“Khabardar! King Cadmus, the Queen lives, the Queen 
hast entered into Grecian lands and hast delivered thy herald 
into the hands of thy countrymen. They prepare for de- 
fense.” 


CHAPTER X. 


THE ECLIPSE OF THE SUN. 

Cadmus was to be tried for high treason against the Per- 
sian Empire and upon the hour for the trial the guardsmen 
fetched Cadmus into the hall. He was wearing a long tunic 
fringed, a heavy coat with large tassels at each corner; upon 
his head the prisoner's cap with a tassel hanging from the 
top — his hands were manacled and upon his ankles were rings 
fastened together by a heavy bar. 

When he entered he took one deliberate survey of the 
whole scene, first looking upon the judges, then upon the 
armed guardsmen who surrounded him with stern coun- 
tenances. 

Unto the superficial observer, it might be known that Cad- 
mus was much disturbed, for in truth he "was very anxious. 
The dawn that he had lately pictured so bright while he had 
been within the tower and watched the solitary sentinel, pacing 
the trodden path round the tower so continuously, was being 
o'ercast and many strong signs portended a severe trial. Al- 
though he had developed the liberty of governing himself in 
all actions, according to his own sense of right, the unrest was 
portrayed to the judges. 

The trial was begun by a speech that had been skillfully 


DESRA. 


99 


framed and which clearly portrayed the facts of the case with 
burning words. The eminent councillors made clear this 
case of high treason. Cadmus was called forth. 

The Counsellor — '‘By what name art thou called?’’ 

Cadmus — "Cadmus, heir to the Grecian Throne.” 

The Counsellor — "To what end didst thou enter into 
Persia, and seek the plans of this invasion?” 

Cadmus — "My purpose was to learn the plans of the Per- 
sians to invade Greece.” 

The Counsellor — "Prisoner be seated.” 

After a very short time the counsellors, having adjourned 
into another chamber, returned and the following decision 
was read : 

"For all which treason the court doth adjudge that, the 
prisoner, Cadmus, heir to the Grecian Throne, is one traitor 
and enemy among and unto the Persians, and that he shall be 
put to death — and this sentence is the act and resolution of the 
court. The court — ” 

The sentence was unfinished by low cries without the 
court chamber. At the same time a dimness of light envel- 
oped the "whole of Persia, and the greatest confusion filled the 
hall. 

A large turquoise globe stood upon a base of ivory and 
stood in the comer of the court chamber — upon the turquoise, 
which was. made to represent the ocean, was the map of Per- 
sia studded with diamonds. In the dimness of the red light 
Persia in diamonds, glittered in its darker surroundings — this 
held the attention of all present, filling them with delight and 
with awe. 

Instantly, the agitated Shah ordered the lanterns lighted, 
and the diamond studded Persia lost its brilliancy and gave 


100 


DESRA. 


place to lighted words scribed upon the wall — “mene mene 
tekelupharsine.” 

Awestricken, the people stood in dumb silence until one 
moled interpreted the words, and cried unto the people — “the 
approaching downfall of Persia is near at hand.” 


CHAPTER XL 

THE INVASION OF PERSIA. 

The Grecian councillors upon receiving the plans from the 
Prince of Sidon, set about to strengthen their army, to march 
into Persia. They could muster about one hundred thousand 
men and they knew the Persians could muster only about fifty 
thousand men. 

The motives of the Grecians were not transient in the com- 
mand of their army and as their methods were practical it 
would be no wild and unsteady energy which they would dis- 
play in this battle. They bombarded the one water-way by 
which the Persians might enter and attack them, by suspending 
a doloruse over the water — dropping the machine upon any 
war vessels attempting to enter and pass it. Hoplites were 
stationed round the water ways, then the general ordered the 
advance of their lines and they began their march on into 
Persia. Many days of marching brought them near the out- 
standing lines of the Persians. 

The Persians had made trenches for a partial defense, in 
a standing defense for any attack that might be made upon 
them ; they were not in complete readiness to battle and when 
the Grecians came unexpectedly upon them, they were thrown 
into a disastrous tumult. The Grecians discovered the trenches 


102 


DESRA. 


and the generals ordered a gyre movement, that they might 
surround the trenches and they also commanded their men to 
use their grenades, which would destroy any defense from 
the trenches. 

This camisade was begun upon the far standing lines of 
the empire, and continued a number of days, until at mid-day 
upon one day, the Grecians forced their way into the center 
of the empire. Here they were met with strong resistance, 
and a long and fierce battle was fought. 

At last when darkness fell upon the seventh day, and when 
the Grecians released from their positions of restraint and 
battling, had separated a little, they came upon the water-way, 
and they fell back in it, awaiting dawn. 

At the same time the Persians separated into different 
masses in the apparent release but with a steady force more 
than before, they advanced upon the Grecians who were now 
hemmed into the water-way. The Grecians aroused their men 
and directed their escape through the outer opening, which 
took them farther from the line of battle and saved them from 
the violence of the Persians. The Persians, then, to fight them 
back out of the empire, entered the water-way, themselves, 
advancing upon the retreating Grecians. Suddenly a terrific 
roar of water as if serging upon them stopped the Grecians 
in their advance and they moved to look upon the lines of their 
enemy, when they saw the Persians sinking within the angry 
rush of mad waters that surged upon them, filling the deep 
water-way, full to overflowing. Unto the Persians their river 
of Choaspese was not more treacherous with its still waters 
than this water-way upon this dark night. 

Men stationed in the court-tower were in constant watch, 
and when the enemy were well into the water-way, they would 


DESRA. 


103 


signal guardsmen to cut the dam, flooding the water-way and 
making escape impossible for them. It 'was known that the 
Grecians would enter the water-way and therein the Persians 
counted their victory. 

“The mistake — the terible mistake, the watch dogs they 
mistook our men for the enemy and we are ruined, utterly 
ruined,” cried the Shah, from his position in the tower. 

“Alack ! ye gods, Persia is taken, and by the Grecians.” 

The trenches had been surrounded, whereby the Persians 
had stood for hours with their shields in protection from the 
arrows of the foot soldiers, and with their spikes from the on- 
set of the cavalry — all in vain were the efforts of the Persians 
to defend themselves as the Grecians advanced upon them, and 
the remaining few who stood in defense, in token of compli- 
ance dropped their shields and lifted their hands above their 
heads. 

’Twas a glorious triumph for the Grecians. They then 
marched into the middle of the empire, entering the court, seek- 
ing the Shah. From a near by tower they heard a voice cry, 
“Release me in the name of Cadmus thy King.” Entering 
and breaking the iron doors of the tower they found Fleur 
de lis, who had remained in irons during the heated battle. 

“Fellow men of Greece, I have saved Greece. During the 
close of the battle, when the Persians fell back into the water- 
way stealing upon the Grecian lines — ’twas I who gave the 
signal to the Persian guardsmen, crying unto them, ‘cut the 
dam, in the name of the Shah.’ ” 

The Grecians broke the irons which had bound Fleur de 
lis, and together they 'went below into the gardens. 

They came upon the bodies of the Shah and two attend- 
ants who were attempting an escape from the palace tower, 
by way of entering a secret channel, and had been killed. 


104 


DESRA. 


The Queen had been horribly mangled by the falling of a 
stone wall. The Lady Constance escaped by entering the 
mad tower, wherein Margaret was imprisoned. 

Cadmus found his way from the tower which had been 
wrecked and he stood before his own countrymen, unharmed. 

’Twas a glad moment, when in the glaring light of the 
early morn’s sun, the helmet of each and every soldier was 
lifted and their uncovered heads bowed in respect before their 
King Cadmus. 

Before Cadmus, upon bended knee, was Fleur de lis : ‘‘O 

King, in the name of Queen Desra, I beseech thee to find the 
maid, by name, Margaret, the bosom companion to the young 
Queen and the idol of my soul.” 

^'Friend, thy will be done, for the companion to Queen 
Desra shall suffer no ill, she shall be restored into thy arms 
again.” Cadmus, lifting his cap, continued, “in the name of 
Queen Desra.” 

“I thank thee, O King.” 

Upon this moment, Bocchorese came before Cadmus. 

“O King, I pray thee, find the maiden Gisrel, who hast 
been confined within the Shah’s palace — the maiden is an 
Egyptian captive.” 

“Friend, didst say an Egyptian maid?” 

“Yea, my King, and of the Queen Desra’s court.” 

“The search shall be made at once and the maiden shall 
be restored unto thee.” 

“Upon bended knee I thank thee, O King!” 

“Arise, friend, in the name of Queen Desra, shaft this be 
done.” 

King Cadmus counseled With the great generals and it 
was decided to bury the dead upon the battle field, whilst the 


DESRA. 


105 


wounded would be left in their dying positions; and the cap- 
tives, the Persians, with the Grecians began their march out of 
Persia. 

Lady Constance, Margaret and Gisrel, all having been 
found with no injury, were put together, apart from the other 
captives, in the line of march. 

The nebulous veiled sun, in sympathy with the destructive 
scene, imparted little light upon Persia and the sorrowing 
Persians as they left the Persian empire. 

They journeyed a number of days, reaching Greece and 
were met with rejoicings. 

Cadmus, who had fled from his country by darkness and 
in the shadow of its wrath, now returned by day and in their 
pride: the new King of Greece, for a few months previous 
their late King Origines, brother to Cadmus, had died, leav- 
ing Greece without a King. 



1 






\ 


I 











^ . 

‘.'v/ 


» I 

k N '» r. 





CHAPTER L 

IN GREECE. 

The victory of the Grecians and the return of the young 
King was widespread throughout Greece and great prepara- 
tions were made for the return. 

Upon the waterway several holcades with the Grecian 
banners flying, moved in slow motion; a number of saices 
passed up and down when the King’s vessel came gliding into 
Greece. 

The streets had been strewn with flowers, bells were set 
to ringing and watch fires were lighted. When the King 
stepped from his vessel he was showered with laurels and was 
carried by two knights into the chariot of his mother, the 
Queen. 

Mid joy and greetings, the chariot passed through the 
streets reaching the palace, the King and his mother entering 
into the palace alone. 

'‘Cadmus, my son, so overjoyed I am to embrace thee once 
more ; speak to me, hast thou been in goodly health these long 
weeks? How wretched thy mother hast been in thy absence, 
and the memory of thy escape from thy own country, of thy 
oflFense unto the priests of our country and that thou shouldst 
so suffer the dignity of the King, thy dear brother, Origines, 
who doth now lie cold in death ! 


DESRA. 


109 


“Cadmus, this I couldst bear, but, thy imprisonment, didst 
lay heavily upon my aching heart.” 

“Yea, mother, thou hast spoken true. I didst offend the 
priests, I didst escape by the cover of darkness and I didst 
suffer the dignity of my dear dead brother, Origines, for all 
these deeds I beg of thee, pardon thy unfortunate son. I come 
back in a newer glory, for I now stand victor over the Persian 
empire. Mother, how didst thou learn of my imprisonment?” 

“Son, thou couldst ne’er betray thy mother’s confidence 
So much as that — ’twas she, the maid who thou didst com- 
mission into Greece.” 

“Desra! Mother, where is .she, this maid, fetch her to 
me. 

“Son, the maid entered into Sidon in Arabian disguise, a 
companion to the Greater Chieftain of Arabia, where they both 
are the guests of the Prince and the Princess of Sidon. 

“Tell me, son, a mystery doth shroud this maid. I well 
know she is in disguise — ” 

“Mother, why didst thou not bid her welcome here within 
our palace?” 

“Thou dost forget, this maid of one unknown clan, can 
never abide within the palace of the King?” 

“Mother, little dost thou know of this maid — she is of 
no unknown clan, and if she were — ” 

“Cadmus, thou King of the Grecians, wouldst thou dare 
love a maid of the people ?” 

“Thou art unkind, mother, I spoke not of love ; thou dost 
not know the hardships of the long journey of the maid. She 
hast delivered Greece from the Persians, hast delivered thy 
son and hast saved thyself from being a captive.” 

“Go, Cadmus, let us speak no more of this maid and she 


110 


DESRA. 


shall be rightly rewarded for her services — let us be done with 
her/’ 

Cadmus left the Queen abruptly in an impatient manner. 
He walked into the court and began preparations for the cap- 
tives and their assignments. 

Margaret, Gisrel and Lady Constance were received into 
the palace, very graciously by the Queen. 

Several hours had passed. Queen Desra had not been seen 
and Margaret began to be disturbed. She held only a small 
hope that Desra was safe — she was standing before a window, 
looking upon a street way below the palace, and she saw a 
number of prisoners being marched into the gardens. Walk- 
ing with Bocchorese and apart from the prisoners she saw 
Fleur de lis. 

“Gisrel, come quickly, look far into the street below, walk- 
ing beside the captives — ’tis Fleur de lis with Bocchorese, thy 
lover — behold, they are not in irons.” 

“Margaret, blessings upon them — couldst we but speak 
one word, that they might hear us.” 

“Be patient, Gisrel, we shalt be permitted to be with them 
again — Cadmus, for the sake of Desra, will grant this. 

“Is it not enough, that we know they art here in Greece 
alive and not dead in the horrible mangled masses of bodies 
heaped in the large grave upon the battle field of Persia?” 

“Thou dost speak true, Margaret, and thou are far- 
sighted !” 

The captives, now marching in the streets into the gar- 
dens, were soon lost to the eager eyes of the two maidens, 
standing before the window in the Grecian palace. 


CHAPTER 11. 


THOU ART WELCOME. 

Days and nights passed with Queen Desra having received 
no news of the invasion and the Greater Chieftain was im- 
patient to return into his own country. 

A heralder entered into Sidon coming from the Grecian 
Queen purporting the victory of the Grecians and to herald 
Queen Desra. It read — “The Grecians have returned in a 
glorious victory; the Queen doth commission the maid to 
appear before her within the Grecian palace upon the second 
day — King Cadmus desires to reward the maid for her serv- 
ices.” 

Queen Desra read the herald once, twice and three times, 
she was thrilled with a great joy. She had striven hard to 
win, her never flagging spirit had bid her ne’er to falter and 
with tireless efforts she had worked — now, she had Won. 

There was much denied her in the Queen’s herald, she had 
expected something more. 

She reclined upon a divan, closed her eyes- and fell to 
meditating. Once more she beheld the beauties of Egypt- 
land, visions passed before her eyes and playfully lingered, 
whilst Morpheus, soaring near, was weaving the web of slum- 
ber’s weave round the Queen until in her sceptre, so fantas- 


112 


DESRA. 


tically bourne such soft music doth she hear. Lo! from 
whence the confusion of Morpheus’s power appeareth! ’Tis 
the sweet lullaby of one of the days long gone, ’tis Chim- 
Ham, the Egyptian singer, who Morpheus hath summoned to 
soothe her weary mind. 

Faint and more faint the echoes of the music whilst the 
words of the singer spoke low and soft: ‘‘Dear maid what 
music and songs are to many in the world, prayers and de- 
votions have been to thee; thy prayers art being answered, 
thy devotions rewarded.” Alack, the song of the singer was 
heard no longer, for Queen Desra had fallen into her slumber. 

Upon the day following, the fulgent rays of the sun shone 
brightly upon Sidon, and Queen Desra, leaving the Greater 
Chieftain for a number of days, set upon the way, attended 
by several attendants. 

An elderly woman of grace and refinement, looking very 
handsome in a purple velvet robe, and wearing many jewels, 
greeted Queen Desra when she entered the Grecian palace — 
and Queen Desra knew she was the Queen of Greece, and 
mother to Cadmus. 

“Queen of Greece, thy herald was delivered and I began 
my journey here at once. Thou hast commissioned me to 
reward me for my services. I pray, most gracious Queen, 
give me audience whilst I relate my work, then, and not until 
then, art thou able to judge what reward thou wouldst give 
me. 

“In Persia thy son Cadmus was cast into irons, a pris- 
oner, and was tried for treason, the invasion saved his life. 
He had stolen the plans for the invasion, expecting to return 
again to deliver them into the hands of thy people; however, 
he was suspected and thrown into irons. ’Twas then he gave 


DESRA. 


113 


me the trust, and I now stand before thee with my mission 
done.” 

The Grecian Queen perceived the beauty and the grace of 
Desra, her defiant attitude, in this mission, toward the Per- 
sians, and she was delighted with the young Queen. Then, 
she recalled the fact that this fair daughter of the people had 
enravished Cadmus with her charms, and she thought, “there 
lieth a great danger for Cadmus in this impossible love.” 

“Maid, I knoweth not who thou art — ’tis enough that my 
son didst place trust in thee and that thou didst save my 
country from destruction — for this, I so desire to reward thee 
sufficiently for thy noble deed. What wouldst thou have, 
maid, I knoweth not of the delights, neither of the needs of 
thy clan, but if thou wouldst speak thy wish, I will reward 
thee.” 

“Gracious Queen, permit thy goodly wish to be my re- 
ward. I didst not know I "wouldst enter into the Grecian pal- 
ace to hear these words. Thou dost speak true, for thou 
knowest not of the needs and the delights of the different 
clans, neither dost thou know of my people. Thy son, the 
King, has he not arrived in Greece — I wouldst beg of thee 
that I speak with him.” 

“Maid, thy insolence from one of the people to ask for an 
audience with the King. I alone shalt reward thee with goodly 
rewards — a palace within Sidon, with annual provisions and 
an attendant shall be thine, thou art — ” 

“Mother, mother,” the rich tones of Cadmus broke the 
interview, “wouldst thou speak thus unto the maid, who hast 
delivered thy son unto thee, and who hast saved even thyself 
from imprisonment in strange land?” 

Queen Desra and Cadmus met and as they looked into 


114 


DESRA. 


each other’s eyes, the Queen standing aghast, saw and un- 
derstood. 

Cadmus continued — 

‘‘Desra, thy reward shalt be measured by thy own desires. 
Thou shalt be welcome to abide within the palace of thy King, 
my people shalt be thy people, my crown shalt share its jewels 
with thee and Desra, my Queen, thou art welcome/’ 


CHAPTER III. 


THE CORONATION IN DELOS. 

It was decreed by the hagiarchy that Cadmus should be 
coronated in the Delos palace upon the island Delos. Delos, a 
sacred island 'was in the centre of the Aegean sea and was de- 
voted wholly to religious and sacred rites. A fountain 
thirty feet in diameter, enclosed by natural rocks and partly by 
artificial walls issued from the island and set forth a beautiful 
rill of pellucid water upon the place for miles round it; this 
fountain 'was of the sacred water and was reverenced by the 
people. In all ceremonies and religious worship the water 
from this spring was used in the Delos palace. 

Within this palace a huge marble bench was conspicuous; 
King Cadmus seated himself upon the bench, a noble courtier 
sitting upon either side of him, whilst the coronation rites were 
performed. They 'were terse and were concluded by the 
knighting of two youths for their bravery in the late battle and 
for their loyalty to Cadmus. 

Music and songs filled the atmosphere and flowers were 
strewn upon the island, as the King and the assembly slowly 
moved away they were greeted with shouts of “Long live the 
King,” “Hail the King of Greece.” 

The procession was stopped and the two knighted youths 


116 


DESRA. 


fetched a golden amphora; King Cadmus filled two goblets 
with wine, the King drank of the wine, as did the knights upon 
bended knees, whilst the King swore his allegiance to his 
country and his countrymen. The goblets were emptied into 
the basin of a fountain and the procession moved on towards 
the Grecian palace. 

Leading into this palace were Grecian myths carved of 
gold and marble, and near the larger gate were two statues 
made of wood from the garden Olive, the sacred tree of 
Athens. 

The gods had promised this wood to abate any disaster or 
famine, and also stood for a defense from the gods. 

An ivory statue of Jupiter with his scepter, thunderbolt and 
eagle of gold was the pride of every one assembled therein ; it 
stood nearby the table of the King. Upon one side of the 
King's table was a platform of marble upon which were sing- 
ing maids and youths clad in clinging robes, crowned with 
laurel wreaths and with citharas in their hands; the effect of 
their artistic designs, rivaled the unfettered imagination of 
any artist. 

The court all were magnificently robed. King Cadmus 
was wearing a robe of purple and gold, with his train bearers 
clad in white velvet; his attending knights wore white and 
gold with purple mantels and a crown of laurels. 

The royal feast lasting all the later part of the day, was 
done as the night was closing in. 

The guests having departed. King Cadmus made a diligent 
search for Queen Desra, he found her quite alone. 

‘‘My Queen look into the beautiful night, is it not made for 
thee and for me, come let us enter into the gardens; the sad 
hours have been long and many since we have been together. 


DESRA. 


117 


Misfortunes and fortunes have united us together and I love 
thee, I can not live without thee, my Queen/' 

'‘My noble King, 'tis so with me, and now my sorrow hath 
been changed into gladness." 

Desra, by all the power of Juno, thou are no earthly being 
— art thou a goddess, nymph or mortal Queen ?" 

"I am that which filleth the heart of my King with desires 
— matters it not whether I be goddess, nymph or mortal 
Queen !" 

"Dearest Queen, I lay within the old tower in Persia with 
my every thought of thee, in my dark loneliness, yon same star 
so bright which watched o'er thee upon thy journey with the 
Greater Chieftain, didst smile upon me and I courted its smiles. 
I prayed for thee, methought this star became as bright as 
Venus, that Venus is but the beacon light of Juno, to lure the 
innocent and to imprison the lover in sweeter memories; now 
I embrace thee, thy beauties enchant me as ne'er before, thy 
charms, thy languishing eyes moistened with some involuntary 
tears of joy, thy graces liken the nymphs, all, all thrill my 
soul with greater passions. I know thou art mine." 

"My king, thy words are sweet, I doubt not 'tis the play 
of the goddess to descend, hover near and enter with her songs 
of love; the gods too, do descend upon us with their powers, 
mayst they keep near unto me, whilst I hold a greater pur- 
pose before mine eyes. 

"Yea, the purpose is strong." 

"My beautiful Queen, thou doth always speak of duty — 
dost not thy heart seek to bask in the light of our hearts' love — 
in duty thy purpose mayst be strong, but to every purpose like- 
wise mayst thou unfold. O, thou of hearts, thy virtues speak 


118 


DESRA. 


with every tongue, thy goodly deeds pourest from every mouth, 
but ’tis thy love that I cravest, liken the craving of the fond 
lover, — I King Cadmus, am thy King and thy slave.” 

“My King, doth thou know such violent passions always 
have a violent end?” 

“Desra, if love didst pour into thy soul as it doth into my 
hungry soul, thy goodly judgment would ne’er be with thee. 

“Thou hast a purpose mighty, speak, my Queen, I will lend 
thee the counsel of the Grecian court to shape thy plans.” 

“Dear King, it grows late and thou art o’erwrought with 
the ceremonies of the day — I am much fatigued. Upon the 
morrow I shalt make known my plans to thee.” 

“Thou doth speak wisely, Desra, my rambling words have 
wearied thee. With the silent hours of slumber joys, mayst 
thy gods garland thee with peace and restore thy weary soul. 
Ah! beloved, the fairest Queen, my words art dull when I 
speak to thee — a sweet good night, until tomorrow’s dawn.” 

“Good-night, my King!” 


CHAPTER IV. 


A MORNING IN THE PALACE. 

Upon the folowing morning Queen Desra and Margaret 
met, the first time since they were separated in Persia. 

“Desra, hast thou been in goodly health; nay, ’tis but an 
idle question, my eyes feast upon thy beauties once more, be- 
hold, I find no trace of sorrow hidden in thy face. How long 
hast been the time since we have embraced. How happy I 
am to find thee in goodly health and brave spirits; I prythee 
mayst the gods destroy me if such a separation shouldst come 
again, ye gods, if it be well, to live once more free, ’tis well 
that thou hast been gone these days — ’tis better thy trials end- 
ed and now. Queen, teach me thy courage, thy power.” 

“Margaret, friend to my bosom, thou knowest not what 
thou hast spoken, thy words art rambling. ’Tis Well we meet 
in joy again ; nay, speak not of courage, call me not thy Queen, 
for in those words thou mayst betray me before the Grecian 
Queen. It is not well for this Queen to learn that I am the de- 
feated Queen of Egypt. 

“Gisrel where is she, I have not embraced the maid ?” 

“Gisrel is well and in glad spirits, for she goes to meet 
Bocchorese, her lover, down by the Falls of the Styx.” 


120 


DESRA. 


“Thank the gods, both thee and Gisrel art alive, in goodly 
health — the gods have been kind to me and mine/’ 

Lady Constance came upon them, neither greeting 
Desra nor Margaret. 

Queen Desra increased the perplexities of Lady Con- 
stance’s troubled mind and the Queen’s charms plunged the 
dagger of poisoned hatred deeper into her heart; she stood 
apart from the two ladies. 

“Lady Constance, how hast it been with thee — I needs 
but speak of gladness unto thee; whenst thou didst make 
gleeful boast of thy powers o’er me, as a prisoner of thy peo- 
ple, I didst hold a pity for one so fair yet so ignoble, now thou 
art only welcome in Greece as I am, a captive of the Grecians. 
’Tis gone, those long, dark days; didst I not swear by my gods 
to actuate one revenge? 

“Let us now be friends, until a greater crown I do wear, 
until I call thee captive.” 

The ill aspect of Desra disturbed Lady Constance. 

“O witch of Egypt that thou art, thou hast set one plan to 
fetch revenge upon me, thou didst turn traitor against my 
people, committing treason, in planning our defeat, robbing 
me of my father, my mother and my empire and I swear thou 
shalt ne’er enter into the hearts of the Grecians, the Queen, 
mother to King Cadmus, and share their love unto destruc- 
tion. 

“Queen Desra, it is not possible for us to be goodly friends, 
and since we cannot be friends, come, I will be an enemy with 
thee. 

“Cadmus shalt not be thine — Oh, thou shalt behold him 
laugh, scorn thee, and with a merry heart bid thee leave him. 
Thou shalt give ear unto his compliments for the Lady Con- 
stance, as the wife of his bosom, the Queen of his people.” 


DESRA. 


121 


“Lady Constance, this state of subordination which the 
Grecians have placed upon thee, and to become subservient 
to the will of a higher power, hath caused thee unrest. I am 
grateful for my release which thou gavest me in Persia, but 
thou hast pressed me downward and incurred the worst upon 
me, the last thou shalt ever incur. If thou were to ask my 
forgiveness I should answer — fair daughter of Persia, sing 
and relate tales of darker days to afifordeth thy soul pleasures ; 
laugh and be merry with the memories of the victory over 
the Egyptians, for thy people didst win. 

“Now mystery crieth with every breath, the winner is the 
choice of the gods, who honor for justice is given, who crowns 
for glories striven ; ’tis for thee and for me to await the crown- 
ing of the coming glories. 

‘Thou dost well know there is one cycle in human fortune, 
given to mortal by the gods, and this resolute wheel doth turn 
round in its course meting unto mortals their diverse lots — so 
divinith by the higher powers. Watch and wait, my fair 
Lady Constance.” 

Queen Desra and Margaret left the Lady Constance pac- 
ing the chamber in fearful unrest. 

“My child, alone upon this bright morn, thou art sad and 
troubled ?” 

“Queen Mother, I did not hear thee enter. I am in truth 
much disturbed, the maid hath but left me, she taunted me with 
threats of approaching hidden dangers — she spoke in riddles, 
saying — ‘I shalt be the victor, I shalt wear the crown,’ dost 
thou believe she mayst have spoken of Cadmus?” 

“Daughter, she mayst have spoken of Cadmus, but he 
does not love this maid. ’Tis only an infatuation, ere one 
fortnight passes she shalt be gone from the palace and from 
him.” 


122 


DESRA. 


“Gone, mother, but whither shall she go?” 

“That I knowest not, but she shall be gone.” 

“I do not fear whenst thou art With me, mother, but the 
maid she doth hold such a power o’er me, and I fear in my 
weakness.” 

“In faith, daughter, thou must be ill — ’tis not thyself to 
act in such a manner; come, let us walk into the gardens, and 
banish this fearfulness which hath subdued thy courage. 

“Let us away into the Xystos, there all the handsome 
knights are now assembling to open their athletic fetes. Daugh- 
ter, put thy trust in thy gods to aid thee, be thou prudent, be 
thou patient and Venus wilt create a love within the heart of 
Cadmus for thee, her Graces must amuse him and her Houris 
must create passions for thee, whilst the Nymphs shalt garland 
him with a craving for thy love.” 


CHAPTER V. 


THE MAD FALLS OF THE STYX. 

The Falls of the Styx just without the garden of the pal- 
ace were o’ershadowed by tall oaks that had been undisturbed 
for ages, and were surrounded only by bold irregular rocks 
which hid the fury of the Falls. 

Twilight deepened round this calm retreat, angry clouds 
began to assemble, the winds began to blow and the thunder- 
ous noise was deafening, but the velocity of the angry winds 
did not intimidate Gisrel and Bocchorese and they sought this 
spot for their tryst. 

Bocchorese had no sooner reached the place until his at- 
tention was arrested by the sounds of footsteps coming in the 
distance and his discerning eyes soon beheld the form of a 
man coming towards the spot. 

The man came with rebounding steps and his lithe form 
glided quickly forward in his eagerness to reach the Falls. 

Scarcely had Bocchorese discovered the man coming until 
he stood before him, and he recognized the face of Neborise, 
the Prince of the House of Persia ; he was a lover of the Egyp- 
tian maid, Gisrel. 

They stood in one moment’s glare. 


124 


DESRA. 


‘‘Greetings, Neborise — what dost thou wish here upon the 
dark night?’’ 

“Bocchorese, greetings unto thee, nay! We meet in for- 
eign lands now, with equal defense — I have come to avenge 
my lost love, naught but thy blood can e’er atone for it ; thou 
who hast stolen the love of this maid from me.” 

Neborise, taking his sword, attempted to stab Bocchorese — 
but Bocchorese seized the sword near its handle; they both 
wrestled until the blade bent with the strength of the strong 
hands and snapped into pieces — then, Bocchorese drew his 
sword, striking the Prince, who madly wrestled with Boccho- 
rese and in this combat he seized the sword and held it with 
his own hands, striking many blows at random — however, 
after dealing so many blows, Bocchorese closed with him and 
after one short struggle he disarmed him. Upon this moment 
Bocchorese believed himself conqueror, but Neborise seized 
him, pressed him closely and in a frantic madness, threw him 
down, hurling him into the Styx. 

The lightning lighted the path for Gisrel as she walked 
towards the Styx and by this light she found a place of shelter 
from the storm. Near by she perceived the form of a man, 
by another flash of lightning she saw the face of the Prince. 

“Neborise, thou here.” 

“ ’Tis Neborise and not Bocchorese, thy lover, for he doth 
lie cold in death — ha! ha! didst I behold his face — O gods, 
didst I behold him ? Ha ! Ha ! with blinded eyes I beheld, with 
blinded eyes I behold him now — there, down the Falls. 

“O, light from the heavens, cease thy flashes — he comes, 
he is creeping up the ragged banks. Ah ! Bocchorese, do not 
stare so — turn thine eyes away. 

“’Tis done, sweet Gisrel, thy lover never question him 


DESRA. 


125 


and, Bocchorese, behold thy sweetheart lying in my embrace! 
Cease you devils, thy mutterings and threatenings ; I behold 
thee all creeping near, lurking from the domains of hades, 
down in the Falls of the Styx. 

''Gisrel, speak to me, say that I am mad — dost thine eyes 
behold them coming? Dost thine ears hear them approach- 
ing? Speak or I will hurl thy body down the banks into the 
burning waters of the Styx to lie with thy lover. 

'‘Bocchorese, turn thine eyes away from me or I will tear 
them out of their sockets and fling them into the forests for 
the ravens to devour.’’ 

In one moment Neborise fell into exhaustion of his wild 
ravings, but ’twas only for an instant, for his fears abated, and 
in the dilemma of his desperate mind, he took the frightened 
Gisrel in his arms and hurled her body down the banks of the 
Falls. 

"O, Gisrel, what have I done — come back to me, my 
heart’s love, come back to me and be my princess. O ye 
gods, sitting so calmly within the heavens, pity me, ere I climb 
to thy throne and hurl thee down into the waters of hell, 
wherein Bocchorese and Gisrel doth lie in its burning billows.” 

Madness again laid heavy upon him and he fell upon the 
rugged banks of the Falls in mad mutterings. 

"Gisrel, come back to me, let us escape from this place of 
torment and the pains of hell — the whole of hell is filled with 
a madness. 

"O lovers true, rest in love’s sweet peace and I will guard 
thee in the mad waters — the waters, yes the waters, how they 
rush, how they roar and drip, drip — ” 

"Lo ! speaketh the goddess Venus — "and there comes unto 
me now the souls of two lovers!” 


CHAPTER VI. 


EUNOMIA^’S HERALD. 

Queen Desra had so successfully led in the last conspiracy 
and now she was planning to reunite her people and return 
into their own country. She wished to be given together 
with her people, provisions and conveyances that she might 
reach Egypt. 

‘Cadmus, I have come, true to my appointment, that thou 
wouldst give ear to my plans.” 

“Queen Desra, I greet thee, prythee, ’tis befitting for the 
King to stand before his Queen, be thou seated.” 

“Cadmus, I beseech thee, become not impatient with me, 
whilst I relate that which I so desire of thee. Dost thou know 
what it is for me once in power to be a captive here? I am 
miserably unhappy, yea, thou hast given me my freedom, ’tis 
not what I seek — I want my kingdom, my people and my 
throne. 

“I am rightfully the Queen of the Egyptians and I yearn 
to be placed in my rightful place. Release my people, give 
them back to me. 

“O King, they are calling me, and hearken, the voice of 
my dead father speaks and bids thee give them back to me !” 


DESRA. 


127 


Cadmus heard the Queen’s words and as he scrutinized 
her motives, he well understood, a separation was upon them. 

Desra detected the strangeness of his manner and she 
believed she had angered him. 

A strange light came into the King’s eyes and his voice 
was strangely quiet, as he spoke ; 

“Fair Queen of the Egyptians, thy country and thy people 
are calling thee ; thy power is mighty and thy people, one bro- 
ken band, stand in need of thee — I, King of the Grecians, do 
release thy people, restore thy lands and stand ready to lend 
thee assistance, upon the hour, whenst thy people are beset 
with dangers. 

“I will direct a meeting of the ephores and of the gerosia 
to assign the necessary conveyances for thy people to travel 
hence into Egypt. 

“Queen, if there be one thing that I have not enumerated 
of that which thou doth wish, thou hast but to speak.” 

Queen Desra stood dumb with silence and Cadmus, too, 
resigned himself into silence. 

“Dear Cadmus, I thank thee! Thou hast gladdened my 
heart, yea, my heart is only too soon made glad — a sadness 
doth creep into my soul, which doth make it hunger. 

“Thou knowest I love only thee, dear King?” 

“My beloved Queen, let tomorrow’s dawn fetch what it 
may, let yestem be forgot, but this night will be thine and 
mine. We have drunk of the dark Waters of troubled lands, 
we mayst drink of troubled waters in darker lands once more 
and upon this night let us taste of the cup of flowing joy. 

“One touch from thee, beloved, one tone of thy sweet 
voice has changed the gloom of the whole universe into the 
splendors of the heavens for me.” 

“Cadmus, ’tis sweet, thy words to hear.” 


128 


DESRA. 


‘‘My beloved, ’tis the silence of love unexpressed which 
gladdens the heart of the lover, thinkst thou? Nay, ’tis the 
whisper of fond hope, liken echoes of the nymphs of Venus 
falling upon the lover's ear, liken benedictions of the gods. 

'‘My love, Venus's graces and her Houris are no happier 
in their dancing train than I, thy King, upon this night, then 
why shouldst I sit and be dumb before thee? 

"When first my eye beheld thee, the songs of Houris sang 
into my ear, 'King, 'tis the springtime of thy love, I am Euno- 
mia, the bearer of the spring of thy love.' 

"Then, Queen, whilst I lay in irons in Persia, another 
fair nymph came before me — 'I am Dice, King, and I fetch 
thee the autumnal joys of thy passing love.’ 

"Now, Queen, I fear to look on beyond, lest I behold an- 
other nymph bearer; I fear Irene mayst come with winter's 
chill, chiding me with memories of the long past spring and the 
passing joys of our love. 

"Speak, my Queen, dost thou, too, fear the future dawn- 
ing before thee and me?” 

"Thou art but foolish, Cadmus, nay, I have no fears for 
the future. I swear by the gods that no other man's Queen 
shall I ever be, that my fondest desires shalt be for thee and 
for mine. Dearest King, thou hast bid me and mine enter 
into free lands — 'tis not enough, I entreat thee, be a compan- 
ion to my lonely soul, accompany me upon this journey for 
a distance, better numbered by thy goodly judgment — wilt 
thou say me nay?” 

"Thy King with a glad heart and a soul filled with the 
happy light of love shall make ready to accompany thee upon 
thy journey upon the second day.” 

"My King, thou hast made me the most happy of all 


DESRA. 


129 


Greece ! The night is fast slipping away now, let us bid good 
night.” 

“Queen, thou who hast made me the happiest of all men, 
mayst the light of thy virtues ever light my soul, as they do 
upon this night. 

“I bid thee good night — sweet dreams be thine, thy gods 
be praised for they have decreed thy love for me. 

“Eunomia, bearer of the spring of our love, come back 
and whisper thy sweet Words once more, linger near me, gar- 
land my soul with thy buds of promise, with thy blossoms of 
love and laden these buds and blossoms with thy perfume 
lest they wither and decay.” 


CHAPTER VII. 


COULDST THOU DIVINE WHAT LOVERS BEAR. 

Lady Constance spoke the Grecian language inelegantly 
but quite intelligently and her abilities were learned to be not 
contemptible. The artful woman exercised all her influence 
over the Queen, mother to Cadmus, and the Queen soon fell 
subject to her keen and polished pleasantry, responding com- 
pletely to her delusive arts. 

To gain the confidence of the Queen and to win the love 
of Cadmus was her one desire. 

Ere long she knew she had gained the confidence of the 
Queen, for the Queen demanded of Cadmus to release her 
from captivity; and the Queen made her a royal companion, 
permitting her to reside within the palace. 

Lady Constance, having gained her freedom by this force 
of circumstances. Would have incurred the indignant censure 
of Cadmus had not Desra made ready for her departure from 
Greece, because he well understood the Lady Constance was 
planning to gain exorbitant power over Desra. 

Cadmus sat musing on Lady Constance’s devised plans. 

“King Cadmus, goodly greetings, upon this fair day — we 
missed thee yestern at the fete.” 


DESRA. 


131 


“Lady Constance, goodly greetings, I trust this fair morn 
bids fair unto thy content; thou doth find much comfort in 
the companionship of my mother, the Queen?” 

“Yea, King, I find unmeasurable comfort in the compan- 
ionship of thy sweet mother, mayst the gods permit me to 
hold it always. 

“I am content, yea and nay, my King.” 

“What is it, what cause doth fetch this discontent?” 

“So much alone with strange people, in a country so far 
from Persia, my pent-up grief found relief in my love for 
thee. King, only to find this misery of this new love is greater 
than the misery of the old longing. 

“Cadmus, if thou couldst only have given thy love to me, 
as thou hast given it to the Queen Desra — if my beauty which 
did wield great power over the whole Persian empire, could 
find one favor in thine eyes.” 

“Lady Constance, thou needs must know thou art, indeed, 
one of the fairest women who ever dwelt upon the earth, upon 
whom my eyes have ever rested; thou art as fair as the flow- 
ers blooming in Persian garden and to me thou art as fair as 
the fairest who dwelled within the land beyond the gates of 
death, with the gods — but, I love thee not!” 

“King, I have sought riches, poWer and wisdom, these 
the gods have given me, but, that which I have sought and am 

“Lady Constance, I thank thee for this unsought honor, 
but love between thee and me is an impossible thing.” 

“Then, ’tis the power of Queen Desra that fetters thee like 
irons ?” 

“In the King’s name,” a voice cried, and they both turned 
and a heralder stood before them. 

“Prythee, King, defer not the matter for me.” 


132 


DESRA. 


'‘With thy permission’’ — and the King read — "Within the 
waters of the Styx, two bodies are reported found by the 
guardsmen — one the body of a woman, the other a man.” 

"Herald, have the bodies placed in the chapel within the 
outer garden — I will follow thee.” 

"Lady Constance, the Queen comes in yonder garden, go 
thou and join her, remember the trust of confidence, she doth 
find much comfort in thee.” 

"If thou wilt so bid me quit thy presence, I will join the 
Queen.” 

The offended Lady Constance joined the Queen and Cad- 
mus entered the chapel. Wherein the bodies had been placed. 
He looked long first upon that of the woman, then upon the 
man. 

"It can ne’er be — it must not be! The bodies of Gisrel 
and her lover Bocchorese, Desra’s chosen companions.” 

"King, it is a weird story of these two lovers — ’tis spoken, 
the gods were angry with their secret meeting by the falls and 
struck them with lightning and caused the angry winds to hurl 
their bodies into these waters.” 

"Upon my faith, my King, believest not this story, it has 
been discovered the mad Neborise, Prince of the House of 
Persia, had escaped the iron prison and was wild in the sur- 
rounding forests, whence he came upon Bocchorese and Gisrel, 
murderously hurling them to their death.” 

"Guardsmen, search, search everywhere until thou doth 
find the mad Prince ; place him in the tower, in irons.” 

Cadmus sought Desra and related this horrible story and 
when he had all but finished she lifted her eyes to him in com- 
passion. 

"Cadmus what next will I be called upon to bear; the 


DESRA. 


133 


anger and the wrath of the gods do but o’ershadow me and 
mine. Sweet maid Gisrel piqued by her coming freedom and 
happy in the rich love of Bocchorese! 

“Ah ! King, my sorrows art many, but alack ! my heart is 
still strong, and ere this I have made my plans, which with the 
pique of Egyptian honor I shall maintain my cause until I do 
stand as Queen of the Egyptians. 

“Cadmus, dear King, beside the statue of Flora, behold 
Margaret comes, leave me now, that I mayst join her and 
relate the sad death of sweet Gisrel.” 

In silent beauty surrounded by many nymphs, bedecked 
with garlands of flowers and wearing chaplets of palm leaves, 
the goddess Flora stood — the effusion of the divine grace and 
the charm of the beauty, enchanted the mind of Margaret as 
she stood there alone. 

Desra came near the statue, and Fleur de lis came also, 
with quickened steps. Desra faltered as the lovers met. 

“Margaret, thou art waiting for me, thy sweet face is as 
fresh as a newly born morn when Athene didst appear to 
bid the morn’s greeting.” 

“Dear Prince, I come with a glad heart to greet thee. 

“My love, too long hast been the separation — the horrible 
dark days in Persia were one long dark dream. Each and 
every day then, the memory of thee didst lessen my loneliness, 
thy gentle nature liken the blossom of the argent fields, was 
everywhere to meet my impatience, thy goodly manner did 
clothe me, as yon bower of wreathing trees clothe every 
shade of Nature’s meaning with its appropriate expression, 
and not even the calorific rays of the sun were as bright as 
the reflection of thy oWn radiance upon my weary soul. 

In moments of my greatest grief, I would clasp the Amigo 


CHAPTER VIII. 


VOICES OF FREEDOM. 

It might naturally have been expected that the King’s 
court would be turbulent when the King announced his given 
permission to allow the Egyptian captives to return into their 
own country to organize again. Great consternation filled 
their minds as to the outcome of such a raging fire of love 
existing between two countries, knowing full well the influence 
the Egyptian Queen held over their King. They feared his 
disloyalty to his own country and indignation was clamorously 
expressed. 

A meeting was called of the senate and the King was de- 
nied the sole right of decision in this matter. 

Of the twenty-eight men who constituted the gerosia and 
the five men who constituted the ephores but a few agreed to 
the decision of their King, and by right of senate laws they 
could cast their vote to determine such a decision. They 
voted to one plan for the Queen and they counselled with the 
King about it. 

The King hearing the majority of the senate was for re- 
jection of the proposition, which the Queen had made him and 
which he, in turn had instructed the senate to sign, realized 
that he could but instruct the senate to offer their plan. 


DESRA. 


137 


‘‘King Cadmus the plan which we have devised and which 
is one in accordance of the Grecian laws, and one which justi- 
fies the senate to make in defense of the country of Greece is 
the following: 

“We find the Grecian court hath become the owner of five 
hundred thousand shares of Egyptian government which the 
Persians secured during their plunders after the defeat of the 
Egyptians and which the Grecians claimed when they took 
Persia — if these shares be of any value, then we offer them 
for sale to the Queen Desra, at a minimum price — ^this pur- 
chase is the only conceivable plan by which the Queen may se- 
cure her people and her lands.” 

King Cadmus was much perplexed over their proposition; 
he “was forced to fetch Desra before the senate. 

Silence fell in the senate hall, the Queen being a captured 
people must needs be in financial straits and this would baffle 
her in her attempt to reorganize her people. 

Desra came at length, entering the senate hall, she believed 
a trouble was awaiting her, but with courage she stood ready 
to answer to it. 

“King, thou didst commission me.” 

“Queen Desra, the senate doth fail to endorse my decision 
in the matter of thy release and the restoration of thy people 
and thy lands; and they have agreed upon one plan, open for 
thy action. 

“The senate may read their plan before the Queen.” 

The plan being read, the anxious fears that had taken 
possession of her mind now vanished and when they had 
finished she spoke : 

“The plan of this, thy Grecian senate is but just and fair; 
’tis not an Egyptian who doth beg of Greece for her own peo- 


138 


DESRA. 


pie and for her land, neither is it an Egyptian Queen who doth 
stand in the lost light of an ambitious mad-woman crying for 
charity, but one who stands ready especially in the matter of 
justice to answer thy laws. Fetch thy treaty that I may here- 
by agree to pay the four thousand talents, the price thou hast 
placed upon my people and my lands — that we may quit the 
country of Greece in absolute freedom of debt.” 

The shrewdness of the Queen was wholly unexpected, much 
to the annoyance of the whole senate who had by this plan 
thought to crush out her hope of further resistance and of 
establishing within her country permanent centres of govern- 
ment. 

King Cadmus was much pleased with her prompt answer. 
It would have been difficult to believe that this Queen could 
have been so dull and perverse as not to have profited by the 
experience and terrible discipline which she had recently under- 
gone. The discipline had produced the effect desired and 
now, as a legitimate ruler once more she would begin her 
reign with a much keener judgment. 

The senate sat powerless to oppose the Queen in any mea- 
sure. The King set about to arrange by assigning the Queen 
all the Egyptian captives and the conveyances by which they 
could enter into Egypt. 

The hour of the departure came and all the captives, and 
hundreds of conveyances followed by the chariot in which the 
Queen and Margaret rode, moved out of Grecian borders. 

King Cadmus had planned to join Fleur de lis at the fron- 
tier of the Greek domain and meet the Queen Desra in her pro- 
cession, thus unobserved by his people. 

Queen Desra was leaving the palace. Lady Constance re- 
mained hidden within her chamber, refusing to bid either 
Queen Desra or Margaret a farewell. 


DESRA. 


139 


The Queen came forward and bid them a glad farewell. 

Theechoes of all the past duties which Desra had done the 
Grecians were lost upon the ungrateful Queen, the influence 
of Lady Constance was weighing upon her and she turned 
quickly, reentering the palace. The words of the Lady Con- 
stance fell upon her again in echoes — “false face masked with 
beauty, thou dost but hide what a false wicked heart doth 
know.” 

The procession moved on in its march. Upon reaching the 
outlines of the place, liberation songs of gratitude and triumph 
were heard in loud cries from the Egyptians. 

The waning energies of the Egyptians while captives were 
now revived and they threw a lustre over their whole being; 
they now opened a season of tumultous joy and freedom that 
would be lasting for them. 

Outward upon this march a familiar sonnet, the Egyptians 
sang in the rejoicing for their home coming, and Desra in 
sweet content gave ear to the words which were echoed in 
floating waves : 

“Take thy pleasure to-day. 

Father! Holy One! See 
Spices and fragrant oils. 

Father we bring unto Thee, 

On thy sister’s bosom and arms. 

Wreaths of lotus we place; 

On thy sister dear unto thy heart. 

Aye sitting before thy face 

Sound the song; let music be played! 

And let care behind thee be laid. 

The Great One hast gone unto his rest. 

Ended his task and his race ; 


138 


DESRA. 


pie and for her land, neither is it an Egyptian Queen who doth 
stand in the lost light of an ambitious mad-woman crying for 
charity, but one who stands ready especially in the matter of 
justice to answer thy laws. Fetch thy treaty that I may here- 
by agree to pay the four thousand talents, the price thou hast 
placed upon my people and my lands — that we may quit the 
country of Greece in absolute freedom of debt.” 

The shrewdness of the Queen was wholly unexpected, much 
to the annoyance of the whole senate who had by this plan 
thought to crush out her hope of further resistance and of 
establishing within her country permanent centres of govern- 
ment. 

King Cadmus was much pleased with her prompt answer. 
It would have been difficult to believe that this Queen could 
have been so dull and perverse as not to have profited by the 
experience and terrible discipline which she had recently under- 
gone. The discipline had produced the effect desired and 
now, as a legitimate ruler once more she would begin her 
reign with a much keener judgment. 

The senate sat powerless to oppose the Queen in any mea- 
sure. The King set about to arrange by assigning the Queen 
all the Egyptian captives and the conveyances by which they 
could enter into Egypt. 

The hour of the departure came and all the captives, and 
hundreds of conveyances followed by the chariot in which the 
Queen and Margaret rode, moved out of Grecian borders. 

King Cadmus had planned to join Fleur de lis at the fron- 
tier of the Greek domain and meet the Queen Desra in her pro- 
cession, thus unobserved by his people. 

Queen Desra was leaving the palace. Lady Constance re- 
mained hidden within her chamber, refusing to bid either 
Queen Desra or Margaret a farewell. 


DESRA. 


139 


The Queen came forward and bid them a glad farewell. 

Theechoes of all the past duties which Desra had done the 
Grecians were lost upon the ungrateful Queen, the influence 
of Lady Constance was weighing upon her and she turned 
quickly, reentering the palace. The words of the Lady Con- 
stance fell upon her again in echoes — “false face masked with 
beauty, thou dost but hide what a false wicked heart doth 
know.” 

The procession moved on in its march. Upon reaching the 
outlines of the place, liberation songs of gratitude and triumph 
were heard in loud cries from the Egyptians. 

The waning energies of the Egyptians while captives were 
now revived and they threw a lustre over their whole being; 
they now opened a season of tumultous joy and freedom that 
would be lasting for them. 

Outward upon this march a familiar sonnet, the Egyptians 
sang in the rejoicing for their home coming, and Desra in 
sweet content gave ear to the words which were echoed in 
floating waves : 

“Take thy pleasure to-day, 

Father! Holy One! See 
Spices and fragrant oils. 

Father we bring unto Thee, 

On thy sister’s bosom and arms. 

Wreaths of lotus we place; 

On thy sister dear unto thy heart. 

Aye sitting before thy face 

Sound the song; let music be played! 

And let care behind thee be laid. 

The Great One hast gone unto his rest. 

Ended his task and his race ; 


140 


DESRA. 


Thus men are aye passing away, 

And youths are aye taking their place. 

As Ra rises up every morn, 

And Turn every eve doth set. 

So women conceive and bring forth 
And men without ceasing beget. 

Each soul in its turn draweth health. 
Each man bom of woman seeth death !” 


CHAPTER IX. 


THE RETURN OF THE KING. 

The Queen’s procession had journed many days out of 
Greece, and King Cadmus knew his people would be restless 
for his return. 

The Egyptians halted for a few days, and King Cadmus 
made ready to return into Greece. 

Upon a roadway. Queen Desra sat in a melancholy temper, 
while Cadmus was struck with madness because of the separa- 
tion. Restlessly he paced to and fro, moping such melancholy 
as to create fire even in the most languid soul. 

He came upon Desra as she sat in her quiet melancholy. 
“My Queen the hour hath come whenst I must bid thee fare- 
well ; this journey of many days has been only too short, since 
thou didst ride with me, and now, behold, the sun is sinking 
into its golden rest and the birds are singing their good-night 
songs unto their mates and We standing in the deepening twi- 
light, must part, must say farewell. 

“Each day of this journey will forever be a memorial day 
unto me — ^when I return into Greece, in phantoms thou wilt 
travel the far space and please mine eyes as Mars is pleased 
with the pleasure arts of Venus. 

“Upon each dawn when Athene doth draw aside the shady 


142 


DESRA. 


curtain from Aurora’s bed-couch and mine eyes behold Juno 
hidden within her golden tissue robe, then will I search and 
find thy dear face in the everywhere. 

“Desra, my beloved, thou doth sit in such calmness, art thou 
impatient with thy King?” 

“My King, to accuse me of impatience upon this day, 
wouldst be raining insults upon the gods of love, for I sit in 
a sad loneliness with thoughts of the coming morrow, the com- 
ing days and months when thou wilt be so far from mine side. 

“Even now the guardsmen are sounding their trumpet call 
and my people are moving in their march again. Behold the 
hour, the moment hast come for us to part. One last fare- 
well, dearest Cadmus, blessings be upon thee, peace attend thee 
and mayst the consequence of thy crown bear thee courage in 
this separation.” 

“Beloved Desra, one last token, and mayst thy gods pro- 
tect thee, until we do meet again.” 

“Dear King, I vow before my gods that the time will not 
be long, ere we are together again; farewell, until then Cad- 
mus.” 

“My Queen, I can not bear the separation.” 

Desra turned unhesitatingly and left Cadmus before he 
could call her back. 

Cadmus stood upon the roadway, crying loudly to her — 
“My heart’s love, how canst I take the first step that tears me 
from thy side — 

“Ah! if there be a higher power descend and imbue me 
with strength upon this night,” but Cadmus’s words were un- 
heard by the Queen as her procession made a turn in the dis- 
tant roadway, and Desra was lost to his sight. 

He ling-ered but a short time in the desolate spot and slow- 
ly turned upon the forking way. 


DESRA. 


143 


He had become so enamored of the Queen Desra that his 
zeal in the cause of his own countrymen was affected by this 
passion and he turned towards his people with regret. 

The Grecians were greatly disturbed because of Cadmus’s 
absence — the Queen feared that an illness had o’ercome him 
whilst the Lady Constance hinted to the Queen mother that 
Queen Desra had enticed him and was keeping him from therti. 

At last the King came entering the palace. 

“Ah! mother dear, thou art in goodly health, yea, mine 
eyes deceive me not, for thou art in glad spirits. 

“Fair Lady Constance, I am pleased to find thee with 
mother and both in such glad spirits.” 

“My son, so long hast been thy journey; why didst thou 
remain away so long?” 

“Many days I have been away mother dear, ’twas it of any 
consequence with my people — tell me how is it with the affairs 
of the court?” 

“The court hast been diligent in their duties, ’tis more 
than I know of their King.” 

“Nay, mother, thy pardon and hast thou heard as to 
whether the gerosia held their meeting the past two days, to 
decide the contention between the two clans?” 

“ ’Tis far better that thou dost learn of their meetings 
from the gerosia, Cadmus.” 

“Then I wilt join thee and Lady Constance within an 
hour.” 

“Queen mother, didst thou too, note the longing in the 
eyes of Cadmus, there is a new sadness written there.” 

“Upon me faith, daughter, why art thou so saddened — I 
troth ’tis a glad hour when Cadmus did return. I heard only 


144 


DESRA. 


the glad tones of his voice, as he greeted us, and his quiet con- 
tent didst likewise appeal to me — ” 

“Cadmus, he comes — ” 

Cadmus entered the chamber, he guessed the topic of the 
conversation for as he entered the Lady Constance was cov- 
ered in a confusion and the Queen was silent. 

“With thy permission, Cadmus, I will return into the 
garden.” 

“If thou wilt do naught but leave us now, mayst we not 
expect thee to join us later. Lady Constance?” 

“I thank thee King, I will return later.” 

The Queen turned to the King — “Son dost thou find the 
decision of the gerosia to please thee?” 

“Very much indeed, mother, they have done splendidly in 
the absence of their King.” 

“Ah ! better than thy mother^ — long hast been the days since 
thou didst go, my bosom hast been weighing heavily with 
heart aches, and the Lady Constance, she has been impatient 
for thy return.” 

“My dear mother, I am a man now, and no longer the lad 
who didst always stay with thee, thou needst must expect 
these little separations.” 

“Too true, son — thou art right, but there is a weight upon 
me, dear son, ’tis of the Egyptian Queen, that I am fearful.” 

“Mother, ’tis far better that thou wouldst ne’er become 
disturbed because of my love for Queen Desra,” 

“Son, cease, this woman, who thou dost love — canst thou 
but know the power which she doth hold o’er thee wilt ruin 
thy kingdom, thy father’s people. 

“Lady Constance has spoken many times of this Queen 
Desra : 


DESRA. 


145 


“O, my son canst thou well know, she moulds and builds 
to please her fancy, which is here, there and everywhere. She 
loves not thee — ^man is only a toy for her and a play game in 
her hands, her end gained, the game is finished and forgotten, 
and man the broken toy. 

“Hearst my counsel, son, cease to think of this Queen, 
concentrate thy mind upon the affairs of thy people — and if a 
companion thou should seek, remember the fair Lady Con- 
stance who thou couldst ne’er deny before thy people.” 

“Mother be thou quiet lest thou dost sever all the ties of 
sacred love, dear, between thee and me. 

“Lady Constance has sought to poison thy mind with cruel 
thoughts of Queen Desra — I prythee trouble not thyself with 
the thought that I shall ever seek the love of Lady Constance, 
even though she be an estimable lady and fair to look upon.” 

Impatiently Cadmus turned and left his mother who stood 
disappointed in her attempt to fetch a reconciliation between 
Cadmus and Lady Constance. 

She was wringing her jeweled hands piteously when Lady 
Constance returned from the garden and entered into the cham- 
ber. 

“Queen mother, what is it that doth pain thee so much; 
what is it, what hast taken place between thee and Cadmus ?” 

“ ’Tis naught, daughter, only troublesome news of the 
prisoners, I assure thee ’tis nothing more. Since the return 
of the King I am very nervous and trouble doth weigh heavily 
upon me.” 

“Mother what can I do for thee?” 

“Nothing, daughter, leave me, go thou seek thy own pleas- 
ures.” 

Lady Constance left the Queen and was much perplexed. 


146 


DESRA. 


That any trouble with the prisoners could not so agitate the 
Queen into such wild frenzies she felt certain. Then it must 
be of the Queen Desra, perhaps, Cadmus intended leaving 
Greece, joining Queen Desra — horrible thoughts — if this be 
true. ‘'Queen Desra, nurse thy plans well for thou mayst not 
hold Cadmus in fond embrace long. Shouldst the King, thy 
lover seek thee again, I shall kill him, hearest thou me — kill 
him, yea, a thousand times rather than thou shouldst claim 
him. I warn thee, witch, whenst thy lover comes again. Lady 
Constance comes also, and who wiiVth and loos'th is now the 
one who cries unto the gods with either joyful or grieving 
tones. 

‘T, thwarted by thy cunning devices once, shalt ne’er be 
tricked again — friend, thou fair Queen, let love words be thy 
pillow now, let love’s invisible being be thy companion and thy 
pleasure. Thou mayst know where thy King doth sleep this 
fortnight but, my Queen, another fortnight the vipers of heated 
love shalt die within his heart’s blood and thou shalt know no 
more of him !” 


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CHAPTER 1. 


DESRA CORONATED. 

Many days of travel brought the Egyptians into their dev- 
astated country,; they were much fatigued, their feet were sore 
and bleeding. They erected tents that they might rest until 
they could begin their construction and from this hour work 
was begun in reconstructing Egypt. Months were consumed, 
at last in imitation of former Egypt, pyramids, temples and 
halls were made by skilled craftsmen. 

The coronation hall was the greatest piece of architectural 
beauty, its walls were finely sculptured with armorial bearings 
and were frescoed with designs to record the joyful event. 
The largest piece of this kind was a bronze medal made in com- 
memoration of their Queen, who in this great undertaking had 
gained them success and triumph, with her cool and calculating 
sagacity. 

Upon the day of the coronation the hall was filled with a 
gorgeous number of people and courtiers desirous of kissing 
the hand of the Queen. 

The young Queen rode through the roadway in a gold 
chariot drawn by eight white horses. In procession she was 
preceded by kinswomen and by officers who hurled the fabella, 
and followed by attendants carrying stools and steps for the 


150 


DESRA. 


throne. Reaching the hall, one knight bearing a sceptre read 
the rites of the coronation ceremony, and a priest burned in- 
cense upon the altar. 

Music consisting of trumpets and double pipes ceased as the 
Queen alighted. 

This long train of glorious equipage passed under arches 
builded from one statue to another, upon which was painted in 
golden lettering ‘‘Long Live Our Queen.’’ 

Queen Desra presented libations and incense unto a flower 
laden altar, after which six men carrying the statue of Kneph 
placed it also upon the altar. 

This statue consisted of a man holding a girdle and sceptre 
with large feathers upon his head ; an egg proceeded from its 
mouth out of which another deity called Phtha stood. The 
significance of the feathers was invisible nature, power of giv- 
ing life and having dominion over things and spirituality of its 
movements, the egg denoting the world. 

Two officers carried the fabella upon a palanquine with 
rich drapery ; two attendants fetched a table and placed it be- 
fore the throne placing the statue of Bull Apis together with 
four birds flying unto the four sides of the hall — north, east, 
south and west — upon the table. 

’Twas a beautiful and sacred ceremony; the Queen was 
robed in purple velvet embroidered with the lion’s head and 
bordered with a row of Asps. Her head was uncovered and 
her hair hung loose and curled, she wore large ear ornaments 
made of the Asp’s body set with rubies. 

The royal scribes wore crimson fillets with hawk’s feathers 
upon their heads, while two of these scribes were crown-bearers 
and one bore the royal ring. 

The Queen knelt before the scribes, the priests read the 


DESRA. 


151 


coronation lines and having finished, the pshent-crown, repre- 
senting upper and lower Egypt, was placed upon her anointed 
head and the massive signet ring, carved with the asp and 
dragon was placed upon her finger. 

Queen Desra repeated the coronation oath, she stood with a 
cheerful and heavenic face before the people, as their Queen, 
the Queen of the Egyptians. In the silent assembly her words 
were heard throughout the great hall. 

“O, people of Egypt, I am now, thy Queen; I am not one 
dreamer who doth picture a future where love shalt supplant 
injustice and brotherhood shalt bring peace — I stand before 
thee. I troth, I am one prophet newly inspired. This blessed 
spot, our country, is now one demiparadise crowned by Nature 
herself, guarded from the hands of war by our protecting 
mother of war and philosophy, the goddess Neith, with her 
powerful staff and lion. 

“Our little world shalt no more make a shameful conquest 
of itself ; in the name of the gods let this be our determinate 
resolution — ^blessings upon thee, my people ! 

“O, people mine, thy King was one reformer who blazed 
the trail that his people shouldst follow ; who didst preach the 
truth, who sunk self for his country, thy country, and in thy 
defense. O king, whose reign ended liken one horrible dream, 
liken one tale which is told of the inferno by Typho, we want 
thy courage to lead us on unto unity and prosperity ; thy soul 
vehicle of thy dauntless spirit, speak thou unto thy people in 
their new duties ; in thy full tide of success thy prudence ne’er 
slept, thy resolutions ne’er gave way. 

“Speak thou unto us and lend us thy visitorial power 
which was so vast and undefined, that our feet in climbing 
Olympus’s gold crowned height may reach the golden fount. 


152 


DESRA. 


wherein the god Hope doth bid us clothe ourselves and abide 
within the hall of Success. 

“O gods, protect and guide and deliver thou, from all dan- 
gers, the Egyptian people !” 

The Queen animated such feelings that loud voices were 
heard everywhere from the people — 

“Gods protect our Queen. 

Gracious Queen long live thee ! 

Diana save our brave Queen. 

Give her victory to reign o’er us. 

Ye gods, save our noble Queen!” 


CHAPTER 11. 


GLORIATION. 

The day following the crowning of the Queen Desra was 
to celebrate the completion of Egypt and it was to be one grand 
holiday for every man, woman and child. 

The newly paved streets were strewn with flowers and 
myrtle branches — the gardens so grand in their shrubs and 
trees greeted all in stately silence, and the flowers smiled in 
their greetings liken joyful prayers of the gods, and the per- 
fume laden the air with Nature’s breath. 

The labryinthic avenues “wearing gay decorations led into 
the new palace wherein the Queen stood divinely fair, greeting 
one and all, and standing beside her were two knights, pre- 
senting a goblet of wine to each guest. In honor of Bacchus 
whose wine was being served, a number of singing maidens and 
youths sang continuously the Dithyrambus. 

The fulgent rays of the sun dawned upon the Nile waters 
liken one lambent flame, and the levant winds bore from afar 
many symphonious sounds from the darabookas of the boatmen. 

The people were all “welcome upon this day to sail upon the 
Nile, in the great festival boats which were ornamented with 
lapis inlaid with gems and all bearing the symbolic eye of 
Horus. 


154 


DESRA. 


One of the larger pleasure boats was ornamented with 
lazuli, inlaid with turquoise and bearing the eye of Shu. Upon 
this boat were dancing maidens dressed in flowery robes, wear- 
ing jewels and carrying castanets of gold. This boat was filled 
with people and it sailed gracefully up and down the Nile. 

The beauty of the surrounding scene, the clear electrified 
water of the Nile, the wreathing trees towering near, the per- 
fume of the blooming fields, the canorous songs of the warbling 
lark and the happy call of the hoopoe for its mate, all stood a 
vision before the eye and fell upon the ear so that it rolled with 
torrents of rapture upon the glad hearts of the Egyptians, and 
the splendor of the sun’s chariot did shend the splendor of the 
royal chariot in this procession upon the earth below. 

While the boats were filled with people, some of the Egyp- 
tians remained reviewing the gardens, some were rejoicing 
within the different temples and some were in commune with 
their gods. 

Margaret and Fleur de lis having departed many hours 
were still in their own counsel, and Queen Desra standing with- 
in the temple with assumed gladness, was indeed wretched be- 
cause of her longing for King Cadmus. 

Her meditative thoughts were “mayst Margaret and Fleur 
de lis ne’er have naught insimate their happiness, mayst this 
dear maid ne’er have one mournful cloud muffle her eyes, mayst 
she ne’er have the goodly cheer and sweet content marred.” 
One silent moment was lost in this meditation, the pain of the 
loneliness was lesser and it became faint and more faint, until 
again she felt herself wrapped in the affairs of her people. 

After all was she not happy, she stood among this throng 
of people as their Queen — she possessed all the lucrative rights 
to depress, annoy, or to enrich and aggrandize any from 


DESRA. 


155 


among her subjects. She knew she would ne’er be peremptory 
in determination of the misdemeanor of any of her people, but 
should she ever discover any vigilant spy or traitor; they 
would she treat with depressing, cruel treatment. She had 
ere this hour developed the habit of exacting abject homage 
with great respect from those who were under her command, 
arising from her kind manner toward them; she Would now 
exercise unto the utmost her desires in manifesting her skill 
with them ; ’twas not to covet honor but to direct and protect 
her people that she would diligently labor for. 

In showing this respect for the laws of Egypt and the 
scrupulous good faith towards her subjects, her measures prom- 
ised well and naught appeared to be wanting to insure her suc- 
cess. 

She would govern Egypt by similar laws, by the same 
severe methodical customs, in fact, ’twas to be a mere suc- 
cession of laws which were established by the King of Egypt 
in years past. The resonant cries of her people in the gardens 
recalled the Queen from her absorbent thoughts and their 
happy cries were pleasant to hear — 

“Glory unto the gods, glory unto our illustrious Queen, for 
she hath triumphed gloriously; good will and peace unto our 
fellowmen. Egyptland doth abound in glories for thee, O 
Queen, mayst thou partake of the abundance of these glories !” 


CHAPTER III. 


THE MYSTERY OF THE LONGING. 

A warmth of fancy held the heart and mind of the passersby 
under a strong enchantment, as their eyes fell upon the two 
lovers. Margaret and Fleur de lis reclining in one bower of 
the olive wood barge, purpled with the graceful chain of fleur 
de lis’s blossom; delicate perfumes diffused themselves from 
the barge and clear tones from the double pipes and soft sweet 
tones from the lyre wafted across the calm waters. 

Upon this barge were several nymphs 'who wore no clothes 
but pearl hiplets with transparent veils from about which they 
floated, these nymphs played upon the double pipes whilst 
standing near them were two Graces wearing only garlands 
of flowers and playing upon their lyres. 

Margaret reclining, with her eyes uplifted to the gaze of 
the passer-by, beheld nothing; nothing but the eyes of Fleur 
de lis, her lover, looking into her eyes with deep intent. Fleur 
de lis upon bended knee was placing a cytherian chaplet upon 
Margaret’s uncovered head. 

“My love, 'tis one beauteous sight to gaze from these waters 
upon the neighboring lily silvered vale as we cruise past them ; 
’tis most enchanting, the glories of this silent and powerful 


DESRA. 


157 


nature, and ’tis pleasure to gaze upon yonder wilds into the far 
distance. 

“As we slowly go out to meet these distant vales mine eyes 
search on beyond in the far distant, for that which I find not, 
my heart is full unto greatness for thee, my love, but a long- 
ing, a deep longing doth creep into my heart for a mystery — 
my soul doth beg in its hunger for this mysterious thing, for 
one sight, or just one sound. This mystified being, doth even 
come in my dreams. Ah ! ’tis a cruel denial meted unto me by 
the gods.” 

“Quiet thy unrest, Fleur de lis, speaketh not of the gods 
in such words; thy soul is but filled with wild fancy, thy im- 
agination hast wrought all these irritants.” 

“My beloved speaketh not unto me, these longings art irri- 
tants, these wild fancies but vagaries. ’Tis that which doth 
live within my heart and soul, which doth hold my thoughts 
in bondage strong and so shaketh my soul in sobs unheard. 
A desire planted in my heart and nourished with the thoughts 
of my mind, by day and by night, this longing sheds such un- 
rest upon my soul, my troubled mind can ne’er be content. Be- 
loved Margaret, what is it the trees do hold for me, in yon 
vale ; what is it the breezes whisper unto me — ^nature with her 
every smile beholds me in my sacred desires, the heavens so 
enchanting forbid me cease this longing. 

“The birds of the air sing in whispers, ‘thy longing shalt 
be fulfilled.’ ” 

“My Prince thou doth speak strangely. I troth thou art 
but crazed with strange desires^ — of what desire dost thou 
make mention ?” 

“Ah! beloved, a great crowning desire doth inhabit my 
soul. I seek and I know that I hold thy dearest love sweet 


158 


DESRA. 


maid, but the world is not complete, since this mystery doth 
inhabit my being. 

great love for power, the love for my country reaches 
out to me and alack, I can not follow ; I belong to the people of 
Egypt and their entreaties constantly I hear. O, my country- 
men, what is it that which doth hold thee and me so near, yet 
so great in the distant — thou art calling, but I can ne’er come, 
and I remain as one among thee.” 

‘Trince, dost thou behold in yon nook the curve in the 
water-course — what is it that appeared, speak, doth thou not 
behold it?” 

“Yea, Margaret, ’tis the answer to my one great prayer. 

“Speaketh not to disturb this phantom, that doth appear 
upon the water, liken a misty veil.” 

These lovers sat in quiet repose eagerly watching the phan- 
tom approaching. 

Slowly and "with light steps upon the water, the phantom 
appeared^ — with abated breath they sat until it reached the 
barge, then Fleur de lis still upon bended knee, cautiously 
spoke : 

“O phantom, in this great veil of mystery thou hast ap- 
proached us with a herald from the veiled world, from one 
who wouldst answer my prayer.” 

“Son of the Egyptian King, I come as a herald from the 
veiled world, thy great longing hast fetched me from my 
realms unto thee — thy deep sorrow hath bidden me speak that 
I mayst relieve thy unrest. The anxiety doth hold the great 
answer for thee; upon the rightful hour it shall be known unto 
thee. 

“Knoweth thou, thou art the rightful owner of the crown 
of Egypt and heedst my words, thou shalt receive that which 
thou hast inherited — ^by the right of this inheritance, the Egyp- 
tian crown shall be thine.” 


DESRA. 


159 


The phantom had but finished, it went as it came noiseless- 
ly, upon the calm waters and vanished from their sight. 

Fleur de lis seemed to understand, Margaret was amazed. 

“Be not afraid my love, didst thou not hear what the gods 
have heralded unto me?” 

“Fleur de lis, I do not understand — fears betake my mind, 
come, let us away from this mysterious nook.” 

“So we shall, my love, thou art indeed disturbed. Why 
ne’er until this moment have I had such a restful mind? 

“The mystery I now understand; my great prayer has 
been answered and I wilt have the unrest no more.” 

The barge sailed back upon the waters, Margaret was in- 
deed silent. 

“Margaret, be thou not so melancholy; ’tis nothing dark 
in danger affronting thee and me. Lift thine eyes upward to 
the heavens, behold thou the heavenly host hath lighted their 
lamp to guide and direct the mortal realm. Be thou not 
afraid, we are nearing the gardens once more and now that 
darkness hath fallen, must I bid thee good-night?” 

“Yea, ’tis better so, my Prince, my mind is weary and this 
mysterious phantom hast beset my Whole being with fears. 
Good night, peace be thine !” 

“My love, sweet angels guard thee, sweet peace attend 
thee and upon the morrow come to me, radiant once more in 
thy beauty and wreathed in sweet smiles.” 


CHAPTER IV. 


THE ROYAL EPITHALAMIA. 

“Margaret, my sweet companion, how fair the day, the gods 
have smiled upon thee, upon thy marriage day. The whole 
Egyptian land is inwreathed with the iridescence of the azure 
heavens and beams of light streaming from the sun. Thou 
art indeed blessed !” 

“Dear Queen, this is my marriage day, yea the gods do 
favor me.” 

“Margaret, guard well thy goodly fortune, lest thou 
shalt lose that which the gods have given thee. Sweet friend, 
I mayst ne’er be with thee after thy marriage.” 

“Nay, Queen Desra, sadden not mine heart with these 
words, we shall know no separation and as in yore days, all 
days to come, thee and me shall be companions.” 

“Margaret, thou needs must remember the husband of 
thy bosom will be close to thee in thy joys, in thy sorrows, and 
the days long gone art passing but now, ne’er to return. ’Tis 
well thou hast given thyself in marriage unto Fleur de lis, 
the honored Prince of Egypt ; in his noble character thou shalt 
find comfort and joy, in his constant love thou shalt find sweet 
peace and in his strength thou shalt find protection.” 

“Desra, thy praises of Fleur de lis art good to hear. I 


DESRA. 


161 


troth I note a sadness in thy voicefi speak, dear Queen, dost 
thou fear for my happiness or dost thou feel we shalt suffer 
a separation?” 

“Nay, Margaret, thou dost not trace a sadness in my 
words. I am content for mine heart is made glad with thy 
happiness and goodly fortune. 

“I fearest nothing for thee and Fleur de lis, alack, I fearest 
a separation is dawning between thee and me.” 

“Thy warning, Desra, wouldst crush out my happiness, I 
can ne’er hear thee speak saddened words.” 

“’Tis true, companion, I am weary at heart, in truth a fore- 
boding doth approach me and doth dwell in my thoughts. 
’Tis cowardly in heart for me to cast sorrow upon thy mar- 
riage day !” 

“Then Desra, ’tis of King Cadmus thou art thinking?” 

“Not alone, dear companion, a dread also, a foreboding 
fear of some danger that clings to me, and sweet friend, I have 
only a few last words for thee; as thou hast given thyself 
into the keeping of thy husband, ever remember to honor his 
trust, hold his love first and above every thing in life ; always 
keep thy marriage vow sacred unto his memory, he whom thou 
doth love, that thy soul shalt always be unto him as sweet, as 
pure as the freshly blown lotus blossom, and rememberest, 
whom the gods have decreed to join in divine love, no mortal 
can sever.” 

The Queen and Margaret embraced, and in silence they 
parted. 

“Goodly greetings, fairest Queen, beholdest thou the 
fair day the gods have given for our marriage day?” 

“Too true, Fleur de lis, thou art doubly blessed, with the 
goodly fortune of the gods and the love of the sweetest maid 
in Egyptland. Fleur de lis, I have been a close companion with 


162 


DESRA. 


dear Margaret since childhood days ; she hast been one greater 
part of my life, and in giving her into thy keeping I rob my- 
self of the one remaining comfort which I cherish. 

Thou art entering into this marriage with sacred ties, 
wilt thou give thy promise — sweareth by the gods — that thou 
wilt be true to Margaret, that thou wilt ever guard her with 
thy greatest love and tenderness, cherish her first and above 
everything in life, wilt thou swear this, Fleur de lis?^’ 

^‘Queen Desra, such wild fancies ; dost thou believe I shalt 
not always love Margaret, the wife of my bosom?” 

‘‘Fleur de lis, wilt thou so sweareth before the gods ?” 

“I swear before the gods who art ready to judge me, and 
before thee, our Queen, that I shalt be true to Margaret 
throughout all the days to come, that I shalt ever and always 
guard her first above everything in my life. Mayst the gods 
register my vows, mayst they judge me!” 

“Fleur de lis, I thank thee with a full heart, thy words 
gladden my heart. Mayst thou ever find in Margaret the 
sweetest comfort, a wife whose soul is purged with purity, 
love and divine peace.” 

The temple was arranged for the marriage ceremonies. 
Its walls and ceilings were decorated with olive branches and 
lotus blossoms, the floors were covered with silken linens, 
the altar upon which the royal pair were to kneel was of gold 
garlanded with lotus blossoms. The royal bridal party en- 
tered the temple, the soft strains of the lyre greeted them. 
Seven youths clad in whiten mantles carrying twigs of the 
olive followed by seven maidens robed in whiten carrying gar- 
lands of the lotus, were followed by seven youths and maidens 
singing the Royal Epithalamia. 

Four maidens came strewing lotus buds before the bride, 
three maidens throwing myrrh upon the bride. 


DESRA. 


163 


The beautiful bride, one vision of whiten loveliness, the 
bridegroom in whiten velvet, the priest and Queen Desra en- 
tered. 

The party stood before the altar, the royal bridal pair knelt 
upon the altar. The priest read from a gold book which he 
carried, the lines of the ceremony; the Queen Desra then re- 
moved the chaste chaplet of lotus buds from Margaret’s head, 
placing one double chaplet of jewels upon her head. 

The ceremony completed, they entered into the feasting 
hall. The hall, in white and gold, had suspended from the 
ceiling one huge lantern of gold studded with diamonds, which 
was lighted, as it swung o’er the table, by the hand of the 
bride. Olive and lotus garlands intertwined round the walls 
held hidden hoopoes, which sang clearly all the time. 

The brilliant splendor of the gay scene was dazzling and 
the gayety lasted throughout several hours. 

The party at length departed from the temple, the singing 
maids joined by the voices of many of the people sang joy- 
ously, the Royal Epithalamia, rejoined by the greater festival 
dirge — the Lay Harp — 

“Take thy pleasure today 
Nefer-hotep, blessed and pure 
What availeth thee thy other buildings 
Of thy tomb alone thou art sure beside 
On the earth below thou hast naught 
Naught of thee else is remaining; 

And "when thou wentest above 
Thy last sip of life thou wert draining 
Even they who have millions to spend 
Find that life comes at last to an end!” 


CHAPTER V. 


THE queen's villa. 

In a district near the center of the government, embosomed 
in old limes and ancient elms, Queen Desra constructed a villa, 
true to the Egyptian sentiment of art and beauty. 

Folding gates leading into walks shadowed by domes and 
bay trees entered into a spacious garden of beautiful species 
of plants and trees having upon one side a paradeisos for 
fowls, plants and flowers. Upon the other side was a kioskes 
fashioned after the Egyptian style, being builded in rustic 
style. Its lintels bore the words “Queen of Egypt.” 

This villa with its small palace, its parks, its picturesque 
walks, its ornamental tanks and the kioskes shadowed by 
graceful trees and cheerful with its blooming plants was of 
great pride to the Queen. 

The small palace was well divided into chambers, each ap- 
propriately decorated. It was lighted by a clerestory and 
the roofs were vaulted with the choice wood, ebony. 

The eastern wing of the palace, with its ottomans and fau- 
teuils made of rare ebony inlaid with devices of gold and 
pearl, its draperies of gold and silver tissue and the marble 
statue of Venus and Adonis, partly hidden by tall vases of 
flowers and by urns of myrrh, this Xvas one artistic Egyptian 
idea woven into art and beauty. 


DESRA. 


165 


Queen Desra had been called a virago because of her imu- 
sual ability in matters of war, and her strength of character, 
however she was misunderstood; she had excited herself be- 
yond her strength, now her gentle nature was fast becoming 
unequal to the cruel anxieties that she suffered continuously, 
and she sought rest and quietude within her villa. 

Upon one day she walked into her garden she gazed upon 
the sylvan scene round her, vivid memories flooded her mind 
of the King Cadmus. 

These memories so o’erpowered her that she turned and 
entered into her palace ; she secured a papyrus strip, she scribed 
a herald to King Cadmus, petitioning him to join her in the 
villa. She sealed the strip with her signet, then commissioned 
a heralder. 

“Go thou hence into Greece, deliver this leaf into no 
hand but the hand of the King Cadmus !” 

Not many hours after. Queen Desra walked again into 
her garden. She was ill pleased with herself, she had become 
weakened and had been cowardly that she could not be con- 
tent with her people. 

She had craved to behold them an organized people once 
more, to be their Queen — now she stood as their Queen, their 
ruler, it soothed her with a weak content but nothing more. 
They did not enthrall her — alas, she was filled with greater 
unrest. 

“Gods, is it wise, this discontent that which my soul hast 
secured, this longing which surgeth my mind? 

“I feel this discontent contaminates my strength, the 
strength as the fitful Queen of the Egyptians. 

“Thou didst speak once — ‘Mortal who hath a merry heart 
and happy soul doth have no continual feast of the glories 
of mortal’s life.’ 


166 


DESRA. 


“The echoes of these words whisper a warning to me, 
hearest thou, my gods, I shall remain foreign unto them, be- 
cause I didst pray thee that I might forget the love of King 
Cadmus which hast filled me with this unrest, and thou didst 
not answer me. 

“My attempt did not fume away the flame of this ardent 
love, the memories of him, of his every word, doth sweep o’er 
my lonely heart with an ardorous breath and it doth but kin- 
dle the fire of love. The loneliness which I bear can only be 
lifted by presence of him, he who has so intoxicated me. 

“King Cadmus will come for I have heralded him, ye gods, 
do not intercede with cause of country’s loyalty. I entreat thee, 
depart, leavest thou my villa, for where thou didst fail to 
please, my King hast made me drunk with ineffable joys and 
I await his coming — ^whether it is thy pleasure or mine, I 
stand to welcome him into my villa.” 


CHAPTER VI. 


THE STAR OF VENUS. 

“A herald for the King.” King Cadmus broke the seal 
upon the strip. It read — “To the Most Honored King of 
Greece — In seeking rest I stole away from the palace and 
am within ‘the Queen’s Villa,’ in my loneliness I scribe thee. 
My King, the Villa seems filled with thee, its walls speak unto 
me of thee, they greet me with echoes of treasured hours, they 
seek to taunt me in my longing. 

“How happy I have been with thee, dear Cadmus! 

“I wander into the gardens, the ariose beauty of the god’s 
creation enchant me now as ne’er before, the birds all sing of 
thee, the domes lend their stately grace to charm and soothe 
me, the bay trees lend their protection for my lonely soul and 
the flowers bathe my tear-stained eyes with their perfume. 

“I pluck a rose-lily of the Nile, herein place it for thee — 
this crimson bell, dearest, will ring the echoes of thy Queen’s 
longings. 

“O my King, thy Queen doth want thee now more than 
ever, thinking on thee and loving thee more than life, she 
doth entreat thee, come, meet her in the Queen’s Villa, and cast 
away all cares of thy Kingdom’s reign for just one beautiful 
fortnight of blessed happiness. 


168 


DESRA. 


“Ah! blessed happiness enjoyed by so few and too soon de- 
cayed I Ye gods, hasten the journey, fetch thou my King. 
“Signed, 

“Thy Queen Desra, 

“Queen to the Egyptian People. 


“At Mid-day 

“The Queen’s Villa.” 

Cadmus pondered in silent meditation and his face lighted 
with a strange happy light. 

The Queen, mother to Cadmus, was in Epidaurus and 
Cadmus was pleased, for he wished to evade meeting her be- 
fore he departed for Egypt. 

He set about quietly to leave and as twilight deepened, he 
summoned a number of guardsmen and together they set out 
for the Queen’s Villa. 

The night before reaching the Villa, Cadmus was o’ercast 
with remorse, his thoughts were of his mother, of his decep- 
tion and of his departure. He lay reclined in the silent hours 
of the night, he lifted his eyes upward; the silver moon was 
shining brightly down upon him, the starlit heavens lighted 
him with a strange inspiration, it fascinated him, it held his 
attention. 

He could plainly see the outlines of his mother’s face in 
the light of the stars and a misgiving of consequence seemed 
to be hanging in the countless stars in the heavens, they all 
spoke of duty! 

“Ah, my mother, thou hast at all times prided, thyself 
in the thought of my strength, and now, this strength is de- 
parting from my soul, and I am weakened. 

“Forgive, forgive thy son, angel Mother! 


DESRA. 


169 


“I cannot turn back, the moon shines fair upon my way 
and the stars bid me go on. I am away, away, mother dear, 
to meet my Queen. 

“O star of Venus, shine brighter whilst I journey all the 
way as thou hast divineth this love between my Queen and 
me — shine brightly, more brightly until I shalt find myself 
in the fond embrace of my Queen once more ! 

“Welcome, bright hours of the dawn, for thy dawning 
doth fetch me into the Queen’s Villa.” 

Queen Desra reckoned upon the day upon which Cadmus 
would enter into the Villa and upon the rightful morning she 
walked without the gates to greet him. 

“Speak, Hibra, how dost thou think thy Queen appears — 
speak, slave, deceive not thy Queen?” 

“My gracious Queen, believeth me, one creation of loveli- 
ness thou doth appear, thyself canst behold ; thy robes art no 
fairer than thy face, thy face crowned with such lovely dark 
hair is as beautiful as the blossoms in the gardens. 

“My Queen, I canst but hint at thy beauties, thy charms, 
thy graces. 

“Hearken thee, I troth I heareth some one coming 
within the far garden.” 

“Hibra, go thou into the opening quickly — speak, slave, 
what dost thine eyes behold ?” 

Hibra stood before the opening. “My Queen, my Queen, 
’tis he, ’tis the King of Greece with his guardsmen, they enter 
into the garden.” 

Desra stood enraptured, “my King, he comes !” 

The attendants prostrated themselves before the King, 
they presented him with a greeting scribed in silvered letters 
upon a sheet of purpled silk. 


170 


DESRA. 


The King entered into the garden, he stood before Queen 
Desra. 

‘‘My Queen, I am here, within thy Villa, with thee at last. 
How impatiently didst I cover every inch of the road which 
measured long in reaching thee; 'twas thy love which didst 
beckon me to press onward. 

“For countless days each day the same white clouds which 
vanished in the mom’s dawn, appeared each night, wearing 
red blushes, in their glowing hue clinging to the sun-god’s 
side begging mercy for my lone soul — but I would seem no 
nearer to thee, my beloved ; upon each night my bedirnned eyes 
would search the rusty mist in the distance to mark the gates 
of thy gardens. 

“This morning dawned, again, the same white clouds have 
vanished but the gods be blest, I have reached the Villa, I have 
found my Queen. 

“When these clouds weareth their red blushes upon this 
day’s end, they will cling to the sun-god, rejoicing in our 
heart’s love. 

“My Queen, thou hast shown goodly judgment in select- 
ing this spot, ye gods, how secluded, methinks no one is se- 
cure but the Queen’s kin and kindred herein.” 

“My King, what must thou think of me ; my heart was sad- 
dened, was lonely, I couldst ne’er refrain from heralding thee. 
I wanted thee so much! 

“The large palace haunted me, everywhere I couldst be- 
hold but thee; I ran away from its torments, alack, when I 
reached this Villa, thy face was here in greeting. The birds 
all sang of thee, the flowers nodded their pretty heads when 
I spoke thy name, everywhere, every place, until, dear King, 
I could ne’er withstand it longer. 


DESRA. 


171 


“The Queen, thy sweet mother, I trowth doth call me 
weak, the fair Lady Constance doth call me wicked, what dost 
my King of his Queen?” 

“Thy King, beloved, dost speak with a full heart, o’erflow- 
ing with love. Thy King cries loudly before one and all — ’tis 
honor to reign o’er the Grecian people, ’tis fame to be a warrior 
brave, ’tis greatness in itself to be a ruler strong, but ye gods, 
’tis honor, fame, ’tis greatness, ’tis all and a heavenly para- 
dise to reign in the heart of the beautiful Queen of the Egyp- 
tians. 

“The nymphs from Love’s castle art not by half as sweet 
as thou art — thy beauties and thy virtues shine radiantly in 
roseate glow; I have craved this day of all days when we 
could be together. 

“Beloved, many times a doubting swept o’er my soul, when 
my mind wouldst dwell on thee, not a doubting of thy virtues, 
but of thy love for thy King Cadmus. 

“Serving as the King of Greece, I wandered into my gar- 
dens, I would sit 'within the vaulted hall wherein jeweled 
shrines and beauties rare stood out before my eyes in splendid 
glories, the walls of the hall would become gloomy and the 
shrines would lose their sparkling jewels, whenst this torment 
o’erswept my soul. 

“Alack, my soul ne’er couldst nurse these torments for 
long, I seemed to understand they were only gloomy mists 
settling upon me without reasons and then, my bosom would 
become embraced in love’s memories. My passions now doth 
recall the imaginary relish which was so sweet of thy dearest 
love, thus, beloved, thy King didst live on day after day await- 
ing the time, this time, which I knew would but come! 

“My beloved Queen, in this enchanting villa, so liken the 


172 


DESRA. 


far nymphean castle whose fair Venus doth rule and Adonis 
doth abide, we stand, at last, alone in love’s paradise.” 

“Dearest King, this fortnight we are together, let us cast 
aside all suspicions, doubts and cares, let us enjoy the beau- 
ties of this enchanted spot. 

“The gods have spoken, that desire hath no bounds ; speak- 
eth thou so — then. Love, our souls enthralled, enchanted, held 
by mystic union, shalt know no bounds in happiness. Speak- 
eth softly, gentle nymphs, round this villa, soareth lightly, 
cunning Cupid, with thy tartared bow. 

“Gods, girdeth thee not the sweet delights, rather be gone 
upon thy throne to reign. 

“I trowth, I hear thy Graces calling thee, so be thou gone. 
My King, come, let us away to happy hours!” 


CHAPTER VII. 


THE IMPRECATION. 

After several days’ journey out from Greece according to 
the instructions of King Cadmus, the senate notified Lady 
Constance that she might relate his departure to the Queen. 

Lady Constance, in the wildest confusion, fell into a fit 
of weeping, suddenly ceasing with a sullen austerity. 

The pangs of jealous rage filled her mind, her wounded 
pride became a volume of revenge against the Egyptian Queen. 
She paced up and down her chamber in her frantic manner, 
framing her thoughts for action against the Egyptian Queen; 
she knelt beside her bed-couch, she cried in wild tones — “O 
gods, doth yon depressed woman and sorcerer receive divina- 
tion of the magic spirits of the wicked gods in becoming my 
King’s mistress, so full of vice? 

“Desperation hath made me mad, as she hath maddened 
my King — made me bold as the vile object, this ruinous wo- 
man who hath brought my King into such a base end. 

“O my King, thou dost love deathlessly this women who 
shalt ne’er be thine in life, but with me, I wouldst serve thee 
with my life, my dearest King. In serving thee, the gods bear- 
eth me witness and let them prepareth for thee, my King, 
a grave whereby this woman mayst wander and learn to weep 
in misery as I have wept beside the grave of my lost love. 


174 


DESRA. 


“Armuzd guardeth well, maketh good my purpose; O 
Ahriman, cast thy evil spell upon this Egyptian Queen!” 

In a recession Lady Constance became composed, she left 
her apartments seeking the Queen. 

“Queen Mother, thou hast learned, the King hath secretly 
departed from Greece hence into Egypt.” 

“Why speaketh thou these words, daughter.” 

“Mother, I met with the senate, they advised me, Cadmus 
having issued i'xstructions for them to relate, upon this day, 
his departure.” 

“’Tis not the nabit of Cadmus to behave in this manner, 
leaving me in this mysterious manner.” 

“Ah, Queen Mother, ’tis a pity, he hath again fallen under 
the magic spell of the Egyptian Queen.” 

“I do fear thy words, daughter.” 

“Queen Mother, I have made my plans, I set out to fol- 
low the King into Egyptland.” 

“Nay, daughter, thy course is Wrong, ’twould be folly to 
seek him now and thy words would availeth naught. Surely 
the gods wilt send him back unto his mother, unto his peo- 
ple. This magic spell is but a fancy soon spent.” 

“Would thy words were true ; alack, I fear for him, once he 
is within her grasp she shalt weave her magic web tighter and 
tighter round him. I fear, yea I know, he is lost to us for- 
ever. I shall set upon my journey at the morrow’s dawn and 
knoWest thou. Mother, I wilt return, I wilt fetch thy son unto 
thee. 

“My unrequited love for Cadmus shalt be revenged, this 
magic spell which the Queen doth hold o’er him, this will I 
exterminate.” 

“Come, daughter, let us consult Themis.” 


DESRA. 


175 


Entering into the temple they knelt before Themis. “O 
Oracle, speaketh thou unto my troubled soul, speaketh, canst 
the Persian daughter fetch the King back into Greece ?” 

“O Queen of Greece,” spoke the mysterious oracle, “the 
wicked designs of thy daughter art all subordinate to her one 
great desire. ’Tis a crime to but ask a crime of the gods, I 
speaketh unto thee, she who commits such a crime canst ne’er 
receive the light of the gods, but, yea. Queen, Themis speaketh 
also — shalt not the goddess of law protect her own elect? 
Even if by the hand of death? 

“O troubled Queen, thy son shalt be returned, a prelusive 
warning in the heavens wilt I send unto thee.” 

“Fair daughter, thy purpose shalt be fulfilled if only by 
death, but thou counteth a small victory.” 

It appeared to the Queen to be an obvious impropriety in 
permitting Lady Constance to set upon such a journey. She 
knew that Cadmus could ne’er be induced by her to return into 
Greece ; she knew that Lady Constance was already unfavora- 
bly considered throughout Greece and when this circumstance 
would be widespread throughout the courts, even though the 
courtiers had thought it notorious for their King to leave 
them they would vehemently cry, “Is our King to sit in judg- 
ment of a foreign daughter?” 

After anxious hours of darkness and the day dawned. 
Lady Constance set upon the journey. She departed with her 
train of guardsmen given by the Grecian court; the guards- 
men pacing up and down the palace were all moved by the 
same impulse, they spoke bitterly, because of this attempt upon 
their King in his pleasures. 

The noblemen were moved with disgust, the Queen retired 
into her chamber, her crushed spirit being stimulated only to 
hope by the mystifying words of the Oracle. 


176 


DESRA. 


Lady Constance began to note the immediate effect of the 
exertion of the many days’ travel, also, under the necessity 
of straining every nerve in this wrestle for doing right or 
wrong; however, she continued with determination, and at 
last entered into the borders of Egyptland. 

’Twas dusk, her eyes were veiled from the beauty of the 
greeting of Nature, the perfume of the flowers, the glad note 
of the lark passed away leaving no trace of the fair day, now 
done. As she came near the rural castle of the Queen, fears 
betook her and a doubting grasped her mind ; out of the silent 
everywhere a voice spoke of a pending warning — only a 
few moments of this fear lingered, they gradually passed 
again, and her plans arose before her and the vicissitudes were 
as naught. 

She reached the garden gate, meeting with one solitary 
guardsman, as he stood before her, she saw in the light stream- 
ing upon his face, a Persian youth who had been taken by the 
Egyptians. 

“The Lady Constance.” 

“Yea, my boy, ’tis Lady Constance, I am glad in welcome 
for thee.” 

“Lady Constance wishes to enter into the garden?” 

“Quite so, boy — ^but the Egyptian Queen doth expect me 
upon the morrow, at mid-day, permit me to pass now, that 
I may surprise the Queen.” 

The guardsman prostrated himelf, and Lady Constance 
entered the garden of the Queen’s Villa. 

Once within the garden she was perplexed as to what step 
to take ; ’twas long into the hours of night and from the palace 
she could see only a few lights, no voices could be heard, noth- 
ing but a drear silence. 


DESRA. 


177 


She walked slowly round when she was encountered again 
by a guardsman. 

“What wouldst thou here, Lady Constance?” 

“I come in favor of the Egyptian Queen.” 

“I cannot permit thee to enter into the palace, by order of 
the Queen herself.” 

“My good man, take thou this and bid me enter, ’tis but 
a surprise for thy Queen.” 

Looking upon the rings his eyes lighted and he bade 
her enter into the palace. 

“Follow me closely, noiselessly and I will fetch thee into 
the courts of the palace.” 

“My good man, what is this, so wrapped and bound with 
papyrus strips and reeds?” 

“’Tis the Emerald Cask, fetched by the Egyptian court, to 
be presented to the Queen upon the morrow, the Queen’s 
birthday.” 

“An idea, take these rings, good man, permit me to con- 
ceal myself within the cask ?” 

“O, mercy upon me. Lady Constance, the Queen would 
behead me for such an offense.” 

“Rest the offense with me, only bid me enter.” 

“Lady Constance, if thou dost so will, but I pray thee, 
O Lady Constance, intercede with the Queen for me.” 

“Be it so, man, thou hast the promise of Lady Constance 
: to protect thee.” 

The strips and the reeds were unfastened, the cask un- 
latched, and Lady Constance was concealed within it. She 
i was well concealed, quite securely, but a craven fear of her 
bold deed came upon her ; it was dispelled for the same wicked 


178 


DESRA. 


voice spoke into her ear — “who threatens to destroy the heart 
and happiness of Lady Constance doth but lose their head.” 

The artful woman beheld the alternative before her, her 
heart did not recoil from the crime of killing, her soul did not 
shudder at the thought of not abjuring it and the only dread 
she felt — “would she fail, what if the guardsman would play 
her false?” 


DESRA. 


179 


CHAPTER VIII. 

THE HAND OF REVENGE. 

“Hearken, ’twas the voice of King Cadmus falling upon 
Lady Constance, as she was locked within the rare exquisite 
cask. 

“Ye gods, how he doth love this woman ! 

“Wilt thou ne’er hasten the rightful hour which shalt de- 
liver the heart and soul of my King out of the hand of this 
Queen, bom of the witch’s tree, which is watered by the 
gushing spring of Hades ?” 

Hold, now the Queen, she speaks: “King, last night the 
hours drew long and heavy upon me, my mind was taken 
with dreams of torment, my eyes with demonious sights.” 

“Nay, my Queen, thy mind is filled with follies, why be 
thou so unrestful; thou art indeed strange unto thy dear self 
tonight. Behold, my beloved, I kiss thy brow to banish such 
thoughts; I kiss thy beautiful eyes to blind such visions that 
may linger near ; I kiss thy lips to quit thy words.” 

“Noble King, I nay canst speak that I feareth not, because 
of this fear I do tremble. O Ibis, wakeful bird, tune thy noc- 
turnal note into melodies sweet to banish such thoughts — for 
now I give toast unto my King — ^ 

“Cadmus, King of the Grecians, I toast unto thy double 


180 


DESRA. 


capacity, for thou art King, art master. Imparadised within 
thee my soul hast been, within thee alone wilt I continue to 
dwell; the true depths of my love art unfathomable, Venus 
hath made strong the tie which doth hold our heart's love in 
union, while we drink of the cup of Bacchus’s rich wine. 

‘‘Let us pledge our hearts in this lasting love, my King!” 

“My enchantress, for thee I swear my love; my beloved, I 
drink of Bacchus’s wine unto thy goodly health, unto thy love, 
unto our lasting love ; adored one, I seal it with kisses upon thy 
sweet lips. 

“O sacred treasure, gift of the gods, unto mortal’s lone 
heart thou didst come as a blessing more precious than the 
costliest gem of the crown of thy kingdom, of my kingdom; 
thy glories radiate more than the sparkling gems, thy worth 
doth outlay the rarest jewels — the gods have been kind, most 
kind unto me.” 

“My dear King, I have lived days and months longing to 
hear thy dear voice, longing to be with thee again ; thou hast 
come, the days and nights art sweet, filled with sunlight, with 
a divine peace, but, O my King, what of the days when thou 
wilt again be far from my side? Canst thou but understand 
that I do fear for a greater, horrible separation?” 

“My beloved, thou art filled with wretchedness, what fan- 
cies fill thy mind, art thou fatigued from our long rambles ? 

“Beloved, I believe ’tis so. The night is well nigh spent, 
and tomorrow is thy birthday — gods consecrate the day 
when thou wast given into mortal land. 

“Retire, my love, into thine own chamber and rest until 
the glad morn doth awaken thee.” 

“Dear King, I canst but coax my mind into a freedom. I 
do yet fear ; retire and leave thee, Cadmus, I cannot, thou who 
art my life, my all. 


DESRA. 


181 


“I can ne’er leave our court of love this night, something 
doth draw me closer and doth bind me to thee in a strange 
manner.” 

“My precious one, thou must retire, for thou dost need 
rest, I fear thou art becoming ill. Behold thy King upon his 
knee, interceding with the gods for his Queen. 

“O gods, direct thy course in the winds to carry and sweep 
all fears away from my beloved Desra, and to fling them into 
the utmost part of the world ; cause thy winds to be maddened 
and to hurl fast, ne’er ceasing until the mind and soul of my 
Queen art free from them! 

“Beloved, good night, mayst the sweet peace of slumber 
attend thee, in the still hours of darkness, and whenst the dawn 
doth awaken thee, come, I will await thee.” 

“The gods bless thee, my King, my all — sweet dreams and 
slumber, dear Cadmus.” 

Left alone, Cadmus was unrestful, ne’er before had Desra 
acted so strangely, could it be a foreboding — ah, no, the long 
hours of the day in the gardens had but fatigued her. “My 
adored Queen, too true, what of the long days and nights 
whenst I shall be far from thy side.” 

Lady Constance was maddened by the words which she 
had heard. 

“I, the Lady Constance, am a stolen, a solitary invader 
within this wooded villa, I have so offended the dignity of the 
Persian empire. O soul of mine, seek out the one ounce of 
patience embedded within thee, that I mayst give thee to the 
words in yon love’s court, that I mayst give ear to the music 
of the nymphs of Venus which is as tuneful as the Sylvan 
Pipes ; that I mayst hear the honeyed words of this Egyptian 
Queen which she speaks unto my King, and which are as 


182 


DESRA. 


sweet to my King as the harmonious song of the goldfinch 
in the thick umbrage of the wood below. Lend me patience 
for this while for in the morning’s dawn, there lieth ripe an 
unborn sorrow for this wicked woman. 

Woman, woman feel thy glories now, share thy joys with 
the King this night, for tomorrow thou shalt know no more 
of him! 

‘'O ye gods of the wicked crime, praise awaiteth thee ; thy 
deeds be done, eke not the infernal haunts to hasten here and 
rain curses upon this Queen. Thy will be done ! 

‘‘Now, O Fortune, turn thy wheel once more, for the 
Egyptian Queen and the Lady Constance doth await thy sen- 
tence. 

“Cadmus, my King, when thy spirit takes leave of this 
thy mortal body, mayst the gods blur the shining light of the 
heavenly stars to hide the shame of my life’s darkest crime. 
Mild heavens covereth me with thy magnificent robes, shroud- 
eth me with thy robes of mercy in this coming wicked hour !” 

Lady Constance opened the heavy door of the cask, stepped 
without, and walked directly into the chamber from whence 
the voices had resounded. 

She stood therein. The crimson and gold chamber was 
exquisitely decorated; in the center was the table carved of 
gold leaf, with rounds of pearl, upon which were the gold gob- 
lets, from which the Queen and Cadmus had drunk in their 
toasts. 

She walked noiselessly round; even the lyres had ceased 
their beautiful tones and she was alone. 

Her eyes fell upon the statue of Venus and Adonis, 
carved of gold and ivory, and encased within a glass cask, 
being held with wires of gold which were festooned With gar- 


DESRA. 


183 


lands of the Eglatine held in clusters by the Nile Lily and the 
Lotus blossom. 

Over the head of Venus was Ibis with its wings out- 
stretched. 

The Eglatine, emblem of love, the Nile Lilly emblematic 
of chaste Venus, the Lotus of power, all were well designed 
in their effect by the artistic Queen Desra, in decorating this 
chamber. 

“The fair Venus doth stand in grief for her Adonis !” 

“What, a crystal veil — what is this I find ? It must be the 
robe for the Queen to wear upon the morrow, for the birthday 
feast. 

“O, the blest gods, ’tis a tissue robe, beautiful in its sil- 
very lines ; could it be one of marriage arrayal ? It shall ne’er 
be, the Queen shall not wear this robe to please the eye of the 
King upon the morrow for I, Lady Constance, shall wear it 
upon this night, whilst the Queen doth dream happy dreams 
of the morrow.” 

Lady Constance, in the hour of silent midnight, arrayed 
herself in this shining robe of crystal silvered linen ; it encased 
her graceful form in gleaming folds of shimmer light. It 
might have overcome anyone with a luxurious intoxication. 

“I trowth my card in hand shalt win the game even against 
the Queen of Hearts.” 

Hearken, a sibilation fell upon her, she hesitated one mo- 
ment, then quietly she sought the opening of the King’s bed- 
chamber ; she listened, not one sound now fell upon her, she 
pushed the door gently, behold, it swung open. 

She stepped within, closing it again quickly. At last 
she beheld the King, resting in quiet slumbers, undisturbed by 
any unrest. She walked near his bed-couch, she stood gaz- 
ing upon him. 


184 


DESRA. 


Cadmus, my heart's only love, why couldst thou not love 
me, I who doth love thee more than life, I who — ' 

Cadmus, as if awakened by invisible power opened his 
eyes, he stared upon the whiten vision before him — in this 
bewilderment he “was silent. What vision did his eyes behold ? 
'Twas no phantom, this vision of whiten he beheld — great 
tender eyes were shining upon him ; he reached out his hand to 
touch the vision ; it vanished not, the flesh was soft and warm, 
a small white hand was extended to him. 

^'Cadmus, my King, 'tis Lady Constance who doth stand 
here, be thou not fearful, I have come to fetch thee back unto 
thy mother who doth grieve for thee. I have come because 
I cannot live without thee; dear King, come, return with me 
into Greece." 

The King now was fully awakened ; vaguely he grasped it 
all. His eyes fell upon the fair Lady Constance as she stood 
before him, a radiant vision of loveliness. 

She fell upon him weeping, and caressing him. 

'^Cadmus, come, leave this woman, this place, return with 
me, asketh of me what thou wouldst, but return with me into 
Greece. Thy sweet mother doth weep for thee. Thou doth 
know I Stand to sacrifice all for thee, asketh of me that which 
thou most desifeth, only come back with me, my love." 

Cadmus, reclining upon his arm, did not arise from his 
bed couch. 

‘'Fair Lady Constance, thou dost amaze me, thou art fair 
as a daughter of the gods, thou didst array thyself to reveal 
thy glories before my eye, but thou art Xvicked likewise, to 
design to win my goodly graces in such a manner. Nay, thou 
hast not a thing which I ask of thee, thou doth not possess one 
virtue which I wouldst seek to sacrifice. Go thou, mad wo- 


/ 


DESRA. 


185 


man, back from whence thou didst come, relate my herald unto 
my mother, the Queen — that I shall return within another 
fortnight.” 

“Cadmus, thou dost not speak thy true mind?” 

“I have spoken well my own mind, I knoweth not by what 
manner thou hast traveled from Greece, hast entered into this 
sacred villa ; thou hast dared enter as a spy, alack ! forgive me, 
fair Lady Constance, I would not offend, but indeed, thou 
must return at once into Greece.” 

“’Tis done, Cadmus, twice thou hast spurned my love 
which I offered thee, ’tis with humiliation that I bear it. Thou 
shalt ne’er spurn it the third time — I revolt against the rivalry 
of this wicked woman’s love and power, she who hath drawn 
thee from thy home, she who hath lured thy mind from duty, 
she shall behold thee no more. 

“The poniard I have worn it in my hip-band.” 

“Lady Constance, mad woman! Thy brain is crazed^ — 
thou wouldst ne’er dare to attempt this upon the Egyptian 
Queen.” 

“Dare, I wouldst dare greater things to win thy love, and 
to keep thee from this Queen.” 

She drew the poniard from the hip-band, she thrust it 
into the breast of Cadmus, she left the blade in the wound, 
and with a serene look, with her hands folded upon her breast, 
she raised her eyes upward, peacefully awaiting the conse- 
quence. 

The King struggled, and at last he tore the blade from the 
wound, but ere he could speak he sank into unconsciousness, 
breathing his last breath. 

Lady Constance fell upon the floor beside the bed-couch, 
beside the body of Cadmus still warm but lifeless. 


186 


DESRA. 


She heard a light step, she turned and beheld the frightened 
face of the Queen. 

“What is it, what hast taken place, who art thou and what 
wouldst thou here within the bedchamber of the King upon 
such an hour ? 

“Cadmus, a poniard stained with crimson blood! What 
doth it mean, Cadmus speak ! Cadmus thou art not, thou art 
not dead? 

“Gods, not that, not dead — ^yea, he is dead, what is this, 
a poniard, a jeweled poniard! 

“Cadmus, he is dead, Cadmus has been murdered in the 
Queen’s Villa, in my Villa! 

“Merciful gods, take thou his Queen, too, leaveth me not 
to live without my King.” 

The Queen at length looked up into the face of Lady 
Constance. 

“Lady Constance, thou here! How didst thou enter the 
Villa, why didst thou enter my King’s bedchamber; the pon- 
iard, speak, oh! speak, thou didst not murder him?” 

“Queen Desra, I entered the Villa as thou doth well know. 
I entered in answer to a herald from the King. I came, I wait- 
ed upon the roadway in the distance reckoned by the King 
himself, but he came not. 

“Impatiently I waited, I couldst endure it no longer, I en- 
tered thy villa, I found him as thou dost understand. When 
the King didst bid thee seek thy own bedchamber, then it was 
I joined him here within his own chamber; the hours of the 
night we have spent together, when the morn was dawning, 
a terrible confusion fell upon him. 

“In this wild confusion he cried for mercy from the gods — 
that the spell of thy power was fast coming o’er him once 


DESRA. 


187 


more; he wouldst break away, he wouldst leave it all to re- 
turn with me into Greece, alack, this power of the witch bound 
him to thy villa. 

“His undying love he declared to me; he couldst not re- 
turn with me, neither couldst he live without me. Ere I could 
speak he had grasped the poniard from my hip-band. I at- 
tempted to grasp it, but he held it with a firm hand and he 
sunk it into his heart.” 

Lady Constance stood in quiet composure when she had 
finished, she stood with her arms folded listening to the wild 
words of Desra as she fell upon the prostrate body of Cadmus. 

“Cadmus speak, open thine eyes once for thy Queen, this 
woman doth speak falsely of thee, thou wouldst ne’er leave thy 
Queen alone in the cruel world. 

“O fair wicked woman Who hath murdered my King take 
pity upon me, have compassion and kill me as thou hast killed 
my King.” 

Desra sank in silent misery, covering the King’s face with 
kisses ; all was quiet and Lady Constance turned to look upon 
the King, when Desra arose, speaking to an attendant, who 
in turn summoned Lady Constance and they left the chamber, 
walking through the palace. 

Lady Constance’s eyes were glassy, they wandered. 

“Who speaks from the court these words^ — ‘Lady Con- 
stance, dost thou lie so low, is thy heart so blackened, thy soul 
so base, for such a crime? ’Tis well thou beggest mercy of the 
gods, for pity, neither mercy canst cover thy sin, nor soothe 
thy breaking heart, not one ounce of pity doth the gods give 
thee, brazen woman, thy cause of deed is lost, for ere many 
years my Queen wilt come to me, and together we will for- 
ever roam happy as the Graces around Venus’ court.” 


188 


DESRA. 


“Slave, didst thou, too, hear the King’s words?” 

“Nay, Lady Constance, I heard no words.” 

“Mercy upon me, ’tis my crazed brain haunted with my 
wicked deed.” 

The Queen Desra was wringing her hands and pacing the 
death chamber. 

“Oh, woe upon me, I do fear to remain, yea I do fear to 
leave the body of my beloved King. Too true, the Oracle’s 
words spoken unto me upon the hour when I did aWait the 
coming of my King, with a gladdened heart — 

“ ‘Mortal, seek thou no happiness, for this thing called 
happiness is a fleeing mirage unto the loving heart which ever 
doth vanish ere it is o’ertaken.’ ” 


CHAPTER IX. 


THE ORDINATE IN HEAVEN. 

The greatest terror Lady Constance had ever known 
filled her mind ; however, when she beheld Queen Desra enter 
the chamber, a wicked gleam lighted her eyes and she again 
felt revenged. 

“Lady Constance, what wouldst thou here, here within the 
land of Egypt. Rather Wouldst I speak what end hath thou 
pursued ? 

“Thou didst travel the long roadways from Greece and 
didst enter into the Queen’s Villa, liken one traitor, one mur- 
deress. Art thou now content that thou has taken a precious 
life, the most precious of lives?” 

“Queen Desra, well didst I follow my cause to well de- 
signed ends. I didst warn thee, thy cursed smile didst thou 
play upon me ; thou, who didst then gain the love of the King. 

“Queen, go thou, sing thy love bards unto his memory, for 
Cadmus lieth cold in death. 

“Death well chosen by him, rather than separation from 
Lady Constance with whose name he died upon his lips.” 

“Wicked woman, I command thee, quit thy taunts. Thou 
hast spoken falsely, for Cadmus ne’er didst seek death, neither 


190 


DESRA. 


didst he ever seek thy love ; for his love for me was greater 
than that of mortal love. Thine own hand didst thrust the 
poisoned poniard into his manly breast ! 

‘‘Lady Constance, for this crime of killing, the Egyptian 
judges shalt commit thee unto the judgment of the Grecian 
court.’’ 

The King’s body had been wrapped in linen three folds 
thick and pasted with gum, in preparation for its removal into 
Greece. 

Desra stood beside the couch, she bent over his body, she 
looked long upon his uncovered face. The lines of his im- 
mortal face met her eyes; how ashen was his face, how cold 
his brow, how lifeless he lay before her. 

“My beloved King, we were indeed, too happy this fort- 
night, we lived but a fortnight, so serenely happy together, 
and now ’tis all gone, life is over. 

“Beloved ’twas ordinate in heaven, the gods art well 
pleased ! 

“Peace come unto my pierced soul, my goodly faith lead me 
into the great mausoleum there to rest in peace. Didst I but 
know thy death couch thou wouldst rest upon and not thy 
bridal couch ; in this much the gods were merciful unto me. 

“Lady Constance she didst lie, my King; she didst murder 
thee, Cadmus, she hast spoiled my life. 

“Alack ! my sorrow doth even conjure the frightened gods, 
because they so decreed and stole my King. 

“The bell doth toll, ’tis midday and they cometh ! Cadmus, 
Cadmus, hearest thou they do enter to take thee from me. 

“Gods in mercy help me to bear it all ! 

“My King, ’tis thy Queen pleading for mercy, and thy 
silent lips answereth me not. 


DESRA. 


191 


“They are entering, they are here. Enter courtiers — take 
thou the King’s body, guard it with thy lives; if ill befalls my 
King’s body, more ill shalt befall thee, one and all. Bear it 
into Greece, unto the Queen and unto the King’s people !” 

A hushed silence fell upon all, they bore the body of King 
Cadmus from the Queen’s villa. 

Queen Desra was left alone. Her wandering thoughts 
could not individualize themselves. 

“He is gone ! They have taken my King ! 

“ ’Twas the poisoned blade, the Persian daughter, the beau- 
tiful Lady Constance; she killed Cadmus, my King, and now I 
am left alone in the world, alone !” 

The Queen fell prostrate upon the crimson covered couch. 


/ ' 



! 

• 4 


: 




ilOOK 


CHAPTER I. 


GREECE IN MOURNING. 

A star faintly glimmering in the sky seemingly hovered 
over the palace and the attention of the whole of Greece was 
attracted to it ; scarcely had it been noticed until it darted sud- 
denly downward in the heavens and vanished. 

“A prelusive warning within the heavens shalt I send thee !” 

The ill-fated news of the King’s death spread agitation into 
the farthest corners of Greece and a fleet of ships was ready 
to fetch the funeral host across the water into the palace. The 
casket made for the King’s body was of finest gold ore lined 
with amber silken threads held in lengths by amber stones. 
Across the casket was thrown a robe of purple and gold, with 
a jeweled crosslet worked in rubies and pearls. Twenty-eight 
tapers were kept burning round the casket while the body lay in 
state. 

Upon the fifth day, the day of the burial dawned in grey 
light, even the sun Was dull in its blaze and the heavens were 
dark with heavy clouds. 

All flags were half-mast and draperies of dullest black 
were upon all structures. The temple was hung with black, 
embedded within its draperies were small lanterns of gold 
globed with dull red glass. 


DESRA. 


195 


The bells of all the towers were solemnly tolled and upon 
the hour for the ceremony the trumpets were sounded. One 
hundred knights carrying an ivory taber in a case of gold en- 
tered the temple followed by as many maidens bearing laurel 
twigs. 

The whole senate appeared in purpled robes. Two knights 
in dullest gold wearing black mantels and sweeping plumes 
stood beside the casket. 

The Queen remained unseen by the vast populace. 

The priests spoke in distinct tones : 

“Countrymen of Greece, blind not thy eyes to this new 
born joy which hath come unto thy King. 

“Our noble King didst uphold the sacredness of contracts 
of his plighted country’s faith, held the highest place in his 
people’s mind which the high standard of responsibility couldst 
promote. 

“Philanthropist, philosopher, ruler and friend, Greece loses 
in the death of their beloved King. His force of genius could 
not be, by any of his people impersonated, the seeds of noble 
deeds which hast been unconsciously scattered by the King are 
now being germinated in the hearts of his people and will for- 
ever live in noble deeds. 

“O divine powers, into whose keeping the King hast been 
given, accepteth this farewell prayer of the King’s subjects.” 

A few moments of silence followed in which the priests 
made the sign of the cross upon the body of the King, and as 
the casket was carried from the temple, one hundred knights 
walked before it, holding a rope of pearls and branches of the 
cypress forming an aisle for the body to be carried through, 
leading to the laureat funeral car. 

Following came one knight robed in whiten velvet wearing 


196 


DESRA. 


a mantle of black with one black plume fastening the bands up- 
on his head; he was bearing the je'weled crown draped with 
black. 

The funeral car was builded of the sacred olive wood and 
was drawn by twenty spotless white horses wearing twigs of 
the cypress. The procession moved through the road-ways 
reaching the mausoleum, wherein all the Grecian Kings and 
Queens had found their last resting place. 

The casket all but hidden among the cypress twigs was 
barred in its place to rest within this sanctuary of the Grecian 
tombs. 

In the deepening shadows of twilight, the heart broken 
Queen mother and the sorrowing Grecians departed leaving 
their young King resting among his illustrious kindred. 


CHAPTER II. 


THE CALL OF THE GODS. 

Physicians from the palace had been in attendance upon 
Queen Desra since the King’s death. The Queen had been ill 
many days, at last she became exhausted from the fever and 
her life was despaired of. 

“Tohlos, my good physician, speak only the truth unto thy 
Queen, dost thou believe me to be ill unto death ?” 

“Our noble Queen, I believe thou art ill unto death. ’Tis 
for the gods alone to intercede for thee, for there is one physi- 
cian greater than Tohlos.” 

“Tohlos, my gracious thanks ! , 

“Physician didst thou so speaketh mayst the gods inter- 
cede?” 

“’Tis that which they have decreed, their will be done!” 

“I have labored for my people, and now, mayst blessings 
be upon thee Tohlos, upon each and every man, woman and 
child in the land of Egypt. 

“My good man, fetch thou the cabinet, bidst thou also, 
Margaret to come.” 

The valuable papers which the Queen found therein, she 
directed into the keeping of the nobles of her court. 

“Margaret, my sweet companion, I desireth thou to remain 


198 


DESRA. 


with thy Queen until the end, yea, ’tis near. The gods do call, 
dost thou heareth not their voices, and Cadmus, behold him, 
beckoning me to come ? Margaret fetch Fleur de lis.” 

“Most honored Queen, ’tis Fleur de lis, what wouldst thou 
with me?” 

“Come kneel beside my bed couch, giveth thy ear. Crown 
Prince, thou art indeed ! 

“Embrace me brother, for thou art also my brother; dear 
brother, I grow weak, weaker; I will the right of my throne, 
our throne unto thee, in so doing I make thee my successor. 

“This royal ring wear it brother, I place it upon thy hand, 
be thou one King, noble and great !” 

“Margaret, sweet companion, this serpent neck chain, none 
but the Queen of Egyptians can ever wear it, thou art in- 
deed their Queen, accepteth and weareth it. 

“Priests thou dost record that which I have spoken?” 

“In sacred records, our noble queen.” 

“Come closer reverenced fathers, place the sacred figure of 
Osiris before me, let the god judge me.” 

“Feareth not, our noble Queen, receiveth gratefully that 
which is given unto thee, thou hast freed thy soul by all con- 
fession, now, at the shrine of Osiris thou canst await thy 
glories. 

“Daughter of Egypt, ruler of the Egyptian children finish 
thy life in peace !” 

Queen Desra began to sink under this exhaustion, in broken 
words she spoke again : 

“I heareth the voice of my beloved King, I behold the gods 
assembled to greet me. Cadmus, thou dost beckon and I am 
coming to meet thee !” 

And serene, serene the parting groan, for the young Queen 
passed into realms of immortality. 


DESRA. 


199 


“O mortal giveth back unto dust its dust, to immortality 
its own !” 

All departed from the death chamber, the Queen Desra 
there did lieth cold in death. 

Without the palace the people were all in an uproar upon 
the roadways, the trumpet of death had been sounded from 
every temple and the people understood their Queen was no 
more. 

Beside the god Osiris there stood Thosseleaus. “When in 
danger I shall come again.” 

“Daughter the dream of death hath but come upon thee for 
the god Osiris hath spoken. 

“Daughter of the Egyptians thou knoweth naught of this 
illusion which didst come in thy dream, as thou hast abideth in 
the ways of righteousness, seeking peace at all times, reigning 
with a love, having greater faith in me and in my works, I 
biddeth thou, arise from thy couch. Thou shalt walk again 
with thy people in wider paths of righteousness, receiving 
divine peace, thy soul shalt be purged with a purer love for thy 
understanding hast been clear and thou shalt have a greater 
faith in me and in my works; therefore thy days shalt be 
many and filled with the glories of a new life, born of the 
beautiful, the perfect and the divine. 

“Go thou, daughter, for by this revelation thou art healed !” 


CHAPTER III. 

THE REVELATION. 

During her journey back into Greece Lady Constance be- 
came morose never speaking without being spoken to. ’Twould 
have been merely a conclusion were anyone to think that she 
were repentant, because her haughty spirit repelled anyone to 
delve her demeanor. 

Ere she reached Greece, King Cadmus had been placed 
within the mausoleum, and bitter lamentations filled the minds 
of the Grecians against her. 

The devious manner of the Lady Constance from the first 
had enraged the nobles ; again, her recent journey in following 
the King in his pleasures as one evil haunt embroiled the whole 
senate ; and lastly, she evinced the wickedness of her heart so 
fully, in murdering their King that she exasperated them to a 
violence. 

The Queen knowing their sentiment petitioned a heralder 
out a distance from Greece, that Lady Constance shouldst enter 
Greece under cover of darkness. 

The prisoner was smuggled into the palace at nightfall and 
for several weeks she was hidden. 

Upon the day set for the trial Lady Constance was sum- 


DESRA. 201 

moned into the legal chapel. She was seated before a table 
affronted by the judges who were robed gorgeously in purple 
and whiten robes. One judge from among them who was dis- 
tinguished by his abilities in legal matters was selected to pre- 
side in the convocation. 

There had been an intelligible intimation that Lady Con- 
stance would attempt to influence this judge, however this 
judge stood aghast at the bold horror 'with which she had 
murdered the King. 

As the hearing continued Lady Constance’s spirits began 
to fail and it was, indeed, a cruel mortification when she realized 
her helpless condition. 

The senate counselled, giving their verdict, “perpetual im- 
prisonment,” the unanimous opinion of all. The judges read 
the decision of fundamental and eternal law as decreed by 
Themis, “that the goddess of law wouldst protect her own 
elect !” 

Lady Constance’s demeanor was thus followed by conse- 
quences as extreme as had been her wicked motives and her 
murderous deed. 

“Hold ! a heralder from the King of Egypt. 

“Lady Constance the Persian daughter is a prisoner only 
of Egypt and the Grecian law doth hold no jurisdiction over 
the murderess. 

“Judges of the Grecian court, release the prisoner by the 
order of release from the Egyptian King, for the King doth 
find and hold the Lady Constance, a free citizen.” 

Distress filled the minds of the whole senate, a madness 
seemed to come upon all present. The judge arose. “Fellow- 
men thou hast all heard the words of the Egyptian King; 
knoweth ye all that Lady Constance who is rightfully a prisoner 
of the Egyptian law, is therefore released.” 


202 


DESRA. 


’Mid mutterings and evil taunts Lady Constance was led 
out from the chapel. 

The day was done and before the opening of the chamber 
Lady Constance stool long watching the shadows play and fall 
round the palace. 

“The shadowy lines of a glorious night is descending upon 
Greece, darkness is fast covering every place. O glorious 
night, I am free ! 

“The stillness of thy mysteries doth soothe my disturbed 
reverie, a peacefulness is stealing upon me, the vested moon 
with brighter rays doth glance upon me and no gloomy soli- 
tude doth now fetch me a wretchedness ; my hours art ere now 
being mellowed. 

“Desra of the Egyptians surely hast interceded for me with 
the King. She spoke kindly before I departed from the villa, 
saying : 

“The Sphinx hath spoken, T understand the dumb man, 
and hear who speaketh not; I know the number of the Egyp- 
tian people, I knoweth the measure of their words.’ 

“And there is among ye, the murderess of the Grecian 
King ; bid’th she to dwell within free lands ; she doth stand well 
judged by Osiris and forgiven by the gods, for she knew not of 
the words she hath spoken, neither doth she understand the 
depth of her deed.” 

Desra then again spoke unto me saying : “Lady Constance, 
by a revelation given me by Osiris, our god, I knoweth thou art 
filled with confusion, a confusion as great, as vivid as was its 
deep impress, that of the taking away our noble King Cadmus. 
The darkness which fell upon thee, didst blind thy eyes unto 
well doing and thou understood not thy own motives. 

“Thou mayst go in sweet peace to enter into paths of right- 


DESRA. 


203 


eousness. Divine peace shalt ever enlighten thee, love shalt 
crown thee, truth shalt lead thee. 

“Farewell Lady Constance, friend, thou art freely forgiven ; 
go thou and walk only in the straight pathways inspired by 
holy righteousness. The gods art the divine comforters, for 
all who doth accept of the true light of truth and divine love, 
blessing them with a pure heart filled with everlasting love and 
divine peace.” 


CHAPTER IV. 


THE PROTECTED CROWN. 

“Long live the King, Fleur de lis !” 

“Dearest husband hearest thou the cries of the people? 
Alexandrae is mad with joy. Great is their pride in their new- 
ly crowned King.” 

“Sweet wife of my bosom, their loyalty mayst I ever main- 
tain, their pride ever be in their King. 

“I shalt endeavor to take a profound view of the court and 
into its problems I shalt dart the most piercing glances into 
all details. 

“I shalt force into the stem of every action, that which gov- 
erns the country’s cause, its gain and its protection, and like- 
wise, with a pure power I shalt rule the Egyptians. 

“’Tis now many moons long past I didst swear by the god 
Anubis, and likewise, my sweet sister Desra, my faithfulness 
unto thee, sweet wife. Now, I stand once more before 
Anubis for judgment. 

“My beloved Margaret, I knoweth naught of any but this 
faithfulness, this divine love.” 

“Husband, good and true thou art, and truly thy promise 
given. Mayst thou ever be my King and master.” 


DESRA. 


205 


“I love the words thou hast spoken, they art echoes of thy 
dearest love for thy King. My love, there shalt be no glory 
that wilt not shine with splendor of love’s light throughout all 
the days to come, this splendor shalt last out the light of all 
coming sorrows and we shalt dream one endless dream of sac- 
red love.” 

“Good husband the great seer didst speak once, the ancient 
proverb : ‘Dream and the dreamer shalt die, the dream shalt be 
shattered, the dreamer shalt be drowned within the waters of 
Time Which lay in one vast stretch for leagues and leagues 
beyond!’ ” 

“Wife, not wisely hath the seer spoken for the gods have 
decreed with a greater wisdom, ‘that dreams be true, the soul 
is dumb but for the dreams which come in silence and with its 
grand benediction bestow upon the dreamer the all supreme. 
Even misty veiled stars play in light upon the dreamer‘s soul, 
drawing sweet dreams from the dreamer and inspiration from 
the sweet content’ 

“’Tis so, beloved wife with the benediction of the gods 
thinkest thou with this blessing, the dreamer’s dream is all well 
versed ? These mysteries doth bafHe the greater minds. 

“’Tis enough that with the gods privilege we mayst dream 
dreams so sweet and bountifully beautiful.” 


CHAPTER V. 


OUT OF THE SILENCE SPEAKETH A VOICE. 

Far into the morning a voice from the wilds seemed to 
call Fleur de lis away from his duties and he began to grow 
restless. 

Near unto mid-day in answer to this silent call he left the 
palace going far down into the valley many miles below the 
palace. 

Standing within this peaceful shadowy embrasure a de- 
lightful sensation betook him and he spoke to the heavens, the 
sun, the trees and to the atmosphere in his delight : 

“There lieth such irresistible charm in this melancholy. 
Thy vision, O heavens enchanteth me, thy glories O Sun daz- 
zleth my eyes ; the gods’ herald I can read hanging upon every 
leaf of the trees. All nature doth sing her odes upon this de- 
lightful moment and the love-sick winds gently greet me with 
odorous smiles. Hearken ye, whenst cometh that sound, ’twas 
a step, I troth !” 

Fleur de lis turned to gaze from whence this soft step re- 
bounded and there stood a woman. One of the fairest women 
he had ever gazed upon. Her hair was black, her eyes blacker 
and as bright as the stars ; her features were refined. Wrapped 


DESRA. 


207 


round her slender body she wore a tissuous robe which half 
revealed the perfect proportion of the wearer; her bosom un- 
dulated as to cause her robe to rise and fall in slow motion. 

Fleur de lis gazed upon her with such a look as might have 
been upon the face of a slain Egyptian whenst first he beheld 
one of the immortal Houris of Paradise and a voice, the voice 
of the vision spoke : 

“Thou art welcome my son. Thou wert disturbed and in 
thy unrest my heart didst wish for thee; I followed thee here 
through the fields, o’er the hills, through the valley and into 
this wooded spot away from thy abode of the stone walls. 
Why didst thou remain within this valley whenst thy heart 
didst so desire to return unto the wife of thy bosom?” 

“O spirit of woman that speaketh unto me, I was desirous 
of returning into my palace; anon, something strange seemed 
to clasp my hands, something strange seemed to speak that I 
should remain here. I knoweth not what thou art, I only 
know I am content to remain here to be near unto thee, to be 
with thee.” 

The phantom stood before Fleur de lis so entrancingly 
beautiful, smiling into his face and he continued to gaze upon 
the fair face of the woman. 

Couldst it be a dream, if so beautiful dream, I desireth not 
to be awakened from this, thy reverie ! 

“Fleur de lis I am sent for thy angel mother; I was cut 
off in the bloom of youth, in the flower of maidenhood. I 
was sent unprepared into the realms of immortality where none 
shouldst go but those whose work is done upon the mortal 
plane.” 

“Fair angel, I divineth thee now, and I knoweth ’tis my 
angel mother speaking. I knoweth ’tis the voice for which I 
have listened all my life.” 


208 


DESRA. 


'‘Yea son, ’tis thy mother. I wouldst have forgotten that 
the earth "was once fair to me but for thee. Upon the earth 
the King, thy father and I fought battles which were long and 
cruel but the white man, knew^th not he battled with a daugh- 
ter of the Hindu, whose oaken heart he broke and whose spirit 
he crushed. At last the King fell, the great ruler be glad! 
And thou, my son art the King of the Egyptian people.’’ 

"Thy temerarious spirit hast been rewarded. Precious 
mother whom death didst snatch from me, in my childish won- 
der I didst cry for thee, I sought thee everywhere. My father 
didst answer me saying, 'son thy mother dwelleth among the 
gods with the stars above in yon heavenly home’ ; and then my 
eyes didst scan every star in the heavens searching for thee, 
and every day since have I asked of every wind that bloweth to 
bear me a herald from my mother. 

"Upon this gloriously fair morn my restless spirit guided 
my footsteps on and on, out in the open until I didst reach 
this spot. The melancholic silence didst charm me, that I 
thought to linger.” 

"Son of the oaken heart, an emblem I bequeathed thee and 
thou didst receive the Amigo, the angels have spoken so. 

"The brahma which was scribed for thee, thou hast received 
the answer thereof. 

"Thou doth dwell within the white man’s walls, as the 
King’s people didst dwell “within their princely palaces but thou 
need ne’er fear, for Marutes, our storm god, who maketh the 
rocks to tremble, who teareth in pieces the forests, who doth 
descend and maketh the lightning flash angrily upon the earth ; 
he doth not seek to avenge the wrong done the dark skinned 
people in stealing their Princess and leaving them without a 
ruler.” 


DESRA. 


209 


“Angel mother, thy strange words fill me with awe. 
Wouldst thou that I dwell only within the boundaries of the 
dark skinned people, shut in by mountains without the land of 
Egypt, wherein my inheritance doth lie ? 

“Oft times the weird wail of the red man is floated upon 
the breezes in echoes so clear that my nature doth respond and 
out into the wilds I wander. I breathe with every breath the 
spirit of Nature, I play with the gentle winds of the heavens, 
singing with their rhymes, I dance upon the leafy fields greeted 
by the blossoms nodding their pretty faces in applause. I am 
glad with all nature and then, I am content. Again I return 
into my palace I leave all these beauties of nature and as a son 
to the Egyptian King, join my efforts to be a great ruler among 
the people. I am counted a triumph and great are the glories 
showered upon me. Alack, all the time I beareth within my 
bosom, a heart that is on fire, my blood doth boil in answer 
to the call from the wilds and then it is, that I knoweth that 
joy entereth not into the heart of the Egyptian as it doth enter 
the heart and soul of the Hindu, whose soul is freed from all 
but love and justice.” 

“Well spoken son, the content of the Hindu canst ne’er be 
measured as canst the narrow content of the Egyptian. 

“The King, thy father, didst wander blindly, hopelessly o’er 
the earth, o’er his walled cities seeking a thing which he ne’er 
didst find, and bearing the memory of it with him forever, but 
’twas no call from the wilds that taunted him unto his unrest, 
’twas the boast of victoiy o’er his people. He strove hard years 
to gain a place of honor with and among his people, to gain 
irealth and power o’er all nations. He, at last found his de- 
feat and his life more vile than the ignorant savage was cut 
Bff and a darkness fell upon him.” 


210 


DESRA. 


“Then mother mine, look thou upon me in my sorrow for 
I am his son.” 

“Son thou art no likeness of thy father for he didst con- 
quer and rule his people with an iron bond. 

“Thou son doth conquer, leading thy people with love and 
justice. Thy father didst reign as one vainglorious King, 
despised by every man, woman and child, and thou dost reign 
as the most benevolent monarch of all nations, beloved by 
every man, woman and child ; yea thou art even beloved by the 
common people. ’Tis decreed by the gods, son — ‘liveth with a 
pure heart, with thy soul radiated by the light of divine peace,’ 
for ‘justice unto justice at all times shalt be meted.’ ” 

This vision Was gone whenst scarcely finished speaking. 
Fleur de lis fell upon his knees, he raised his voice in 
prayer. 

‘Thou art indeed gone, come back mother mine, come back ! 
The valley is desolate, its melancholy doth haunt me, the still- 
ness how it embraceth me with deep wretched longings. Gods, 
something is tearing out my heart and I can not stay longer !” 

From the great boundless space the birds sang, the breezes 
whispered gently and the atmosphere breathed liken a benedic- 
tion from the King, his father : 

“Come Ka-men-Khepere, come unto me, my son. 

My best supporter, come and gladden thyself 
In my perfections, everlastingly I shineth, but 
As thou wishest. My full heart dilateth whene’er 
Thou com’st into my temple. Thy limbs I fondle 
And inspireth with life delicious, until thou hast 
More power than I. Sit up within my great hall — 

I giveth thee wealth, I giveth thee strength and victory 
O’er all lands. The terror and the dread of thee I have 


DESRA. 


211 


Spreadeth through every country unto the furtherest poles 
Of heaven. I maketh all hearts to quaketh at thee — 

Yea, even the mighty nations of Nine Bowes I have 
Made to feareth the echoes of thy voice. The chiefs 
Of lands are clutched within thy fist ; extending 
Mine own hands, I tieth for thee in bundles, the 
Fierce Amue, thousands, aye and tens of thousands 
With the Northern hords ; in myriads upon myriads 
That they yieldeth, to be thy captive — underneath thy 
Shoes I have thrown down thy foemen ; prostrate crowds 
Of the perverse lieth within the dust before thee ; for 
Then the earth, throughout its length and breadth I have 
Ordered for thy seat both east and west ; there is no 
Land where to thou hast not reacheth ; there is no one 
Nation that resisteth thy determinate will !” 

The echoes became faint, more faint, until they must have 
been lost upon the breezes, for Fleur de lis heard no more. 

He arose and he stood in thought. 

“Alack! ’twas but a dream! O glorious dream why didst 
thou quit me ? 

“Beautiful dream filled with delightful vision, all too soon 
ended.” 

In lifting his eyes searching the vacancy between he and the 
heavens a light became visible before his discerning eyes. 

The light couldst it again be — lo! ’twas but the pharos 
shining in its beacon swing, nearing the palace. 

“In yon palace, Margaret, wife of my bosom and Desra, 
sweet sister, doth await me. 

“Sweet sister Desra, ’twas but yestern thou didst speak as 
the voice of the vision and the revelation but now, hath come 
upon me ; my eyes art opened, lo ! I behold the light. ’Tis but 


212 


DESRA. 


now I understandeth thy words, whenst thou spoke unto me; 
saying : 

“ ‘ Dear brother, knoweth thou not, ’tis one absurd attack; 
upon the infinite and Supreme Being to say there is one truth 
necessary to every man’s happiness which the gods wouldst 
conceal from him.’ ” 

“Sister, my eye of understanding is clear in vision now, 
for the gods, and the spirit of my precious mother hast re- ‘ 
vealed this one truth unto me; likewise newer glories and an| 
unfoldment leading me into a new life. 

“Desra, my sister, so sweet, so brave, the jeweled crown of 
Egypt, our crown, which thou didst once wear with grace and 
dignity is lesser than the halo’d crown of divine light which! 
thou dost now wear, leading thee in the pathway of sublime love 
and divine peace. Magnificent woman, thy mind is of celestial 
birth ! 

“And Margaret, my Queen — Queen of the Egyptians — Ah 
me ! how sweet is love, how sweet are the words I have drunh 
from thee, and how beautiful are thy embraces. 

“Beloved, as a brilliant star thou hast guided me through! 
the dark years gone, thou didst inspire my every deed, unti' 
now, the glories of my crown shalt forever and ever b( 
showered upon thee, its strength, its power shalt forever anc 
ever protect thee, my soul’s idol ! 

“The light, it grows bright, brighter in its beckoning— 
sweet wife, sweet sister, my loved ones, I am coming to thee.’ 


AUTHORESS’S NOTE. 


The period of this romance is the early centuries and the 
time occupied is five years. 

The reader will note that in writing this romance I have 
employed historical events as found recorded in history. 

Ethel Black Kealing. 


Indianapolis, Indiana, 1910. 








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